Investigation of the Relationship Between Functional Skills, Sensory Functions, and Anthropometric Properties of the Hand in Occupational Therapy Students Using Hierarchical Clustering Analysis

Authors : Başar ÖZTÜRK, Ekin AKPINAR, Remziye AKARSU, Yusuf ÇELİK

Pages : 101-112

Doi:10.30720/ered.1238943

View : 52 | Download : 25

Publication Date : 2023-09-15

Article Type : Research Paper

Abstract :Purpose: This study aims to examine the relationship between functional skills, sensorimotor, and anthropometric variables of the hand in health science students. Material and Methods: The study was carried out on 70 students insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(21.51± 1.59 years; 61 women, 9 men); from Biruni University. Upper extremity anthropometric measurements were taken from the students. Hand Dynamometer and Pinchmeter were used for hand grip strength, Purdue Pegboard Test for hand dexterity, Semmes-Weinstein Monofilament for two-point discrimination, and Vibration Perception Test were used for sensory functions. Hierarchical cluster analysis was employed to find the clustering trend of the variables. Results: At the end of the research, two main clusters were obtained, of which four sub-clusters belonging to the second one were identified. The main cluster I contains pinch, dipod, tripod, lateral grip force, Purdue pegboard dominant, non-dominant, both, and assembly. Main cluster II contains finger lengths, palmar length, hand grip, total upper extremity length, height, two-point discrimination, vibration, weight, BMI, monofilament, palmar width, segmental arm, forearm, and hand length. Conclusion: As a result of the research, it was determined that pinch grip strength, dexterity, anthropometric and sensory characteristics were related to each other.
Keywords : Üst ekstremite antropometrisi, el becerisi, duyusal değerlendirme, küme analizi