Evaluating the Efficacy of Recreational Activities to Conventional Physiotherapy to Restore Hand Grip in Geriatrics: A Randomised Controlled Study

1. Assistant Professor, Department of Physiotherapy, University of Science and Technology Meghalaya, Baridua, Ri-Bhoi, Meghalaya, India; PhD Research Scholar, Assam Down Town University, Guwahati, Assam, India. 2. Doctor, Department of Medicine, Down Town Hospital, Guwahati, Assam, India.

Abstract

Introduction: Ageing is a complex biological process associated with a gradual decline in physical and mental wellbeing. Hands are one of the vital upper limb parts of the body, and their functional reduction affects people’s environmental interaction. However, the studies related to the practices to improve Handgrip Strength (HGS) and function among the geriatric population are very limited.

Aim: To evaluate the HGS and hand function among adults using hand dynamometer test and the Jebsen Hand Function Test (JHFT), following conventional physiotherapy and recreational activities.

Materials and Methods: This single-blind randomised clinical trial was undertaken in Elderly Care Centres (ECCs) in Assam, India, during the period from February 2025 to June 2025. A total of 92 geriatric people were screened, of whom 80 eligible participants were randomly allocated into two groups. Group A received conven-tional physiotherapy, whereas Group B participated in recreational activities for six weeks (five sessions per week). Handgrip strength and hand function were assessed using a hand dynamometer and the Jebsen Hand Function Test at baseline, third week, and sixth week. Paired t-tests were used to analyse within-group differences, and the effect size was calculated using Cohen’s d. A p-value of <0.05 is regarded as statistically significant.

Results: The research outcomes proved that the conventional physiotherapy improved handgrip strength from 9.75±1.81 to 12.13±1.73, while recreational activities improved hand function, with JHFT completion time reducing from 44.53±8.26 seconds at baseline to 31.0±8.74 seconds at post-intervention in group B.

Conclusion: Both interventions improved handgrip strength and hand function in older adults. Convention-al physiotherapy showed greater improvement in handgrip strength, whereas recreational activities produced greater improvement in hand function. Therefore, proprioceptive training is a valuable intervention for promoting the overall well-being as well as Quality of Life (QoL) in the elderly.

Ageing, Elderly people, Geriatric population, Hand function