Objective

To evaluate the relation between prehension strength, dexterity and axonal loss in a same cohort of CMT1A patients with valid tools. CMT1A is the most common form of hereditary neuropathy. The upper limb impairment creates a weakness of intrinsic hand muscles, an opposition, prehension strength and axonal loss.

Materials/patients and methods

Patients were recruited from November 2012 to November 2014 by Physicals Rehabilitation Medicine and Neurologicals consultations of Clermont Ferrand’s University Hospital. Measures of strength were evaluated in kilograms (kg) by Jamar and Pince Gauge dynamometers, and dexterity by Sollerman and Nine Hole Peg and Jebsen’s tests.

Results

Thirty-one patients were included. A moderated correlation was find between pinch strength in kg by Pince Gauge, and dexterity by Sollerman ( r = 0.52). No correlation was found between axonal loss evaluated by motor action potential of median nerve, handgrip strength, pince strength or dexterity tests.

Discussion/Conclusion

This results mention the complexity of prehension, the balance out by the patients CMT1A of their intrinsic hand muscles weakness, and the interest to detect prematurely this impairment in order to limit the deformities and abnormal postures.