Background: Upper-limb function is important in patients with hip fracture so they can perform activities of daily living and participate in leisure activities. Upper-limb function of these patients, however, has not been thoroughly investigated.
Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the upper-limb motor and sensory functions in patients with hip fracture by comparing these functions with those of community-dwelling older adults (control group).
Methods: We compared the results of motor and sensory function tests of upper-limb function - range of motion, strength, sensibility, finger dexterity, comprehensive hand function - between patients with hip fracture (n= 32) and the control group (n= 32).
Results: Patients with hip fracture had significantly reduced grip strength, pinch strength, finger dexterity, and comprehensive hand function compared with the control group.
Conclusions: Most upper-limb functions are impaired in the patients with hip fracture. Thus, upper-limb function of patients with hip fracture should be considered during treatment.
Keywords: Hip fracture; community-dwelling; comparative study; hand; upper limb.