ABSTRACT
THE APPLICATION OF HANDGRIP EXERCISE TO IMPROVE UPPER
EXTREMITY MUSCLE STRENGTH IN ELDERLY POST-STROKE
PATIENTS WITH THE NURSING PROBLEM OF IMPAIRED PHYSICAL
MOBILITY
(A Case Study at UPT PSTW Magetan)
By: Resha Oktapriani
Email: resaoktapriani0710@gmail.com
Post-stroke older adults commonly experience weakness and stiffness of
the extremities, which can interfere with daily activities and cause impaired
physical mobility. Handgrip exercise is an exercise used to improve upper
extremity muscle strength through repeated gripping movements.
This scientific paper used a nursing process approach involving Mr. T, an
older adult with post-stroke condition and a nursing problem of impaired physical
mobility at Wisma Arimbi, UPT PSTW Magetan. Handgrip exercise was
performed for 5 days in 10 sessions, twice daily at 08:30-14:30 WIB. Evaluation
was conducted using Manual Muscle Testing (MMT).
The assessment showed weakness and stiffness of the hand, with muscle
strength of 3/5. The left hand scored 5 (normal), while the right hand scored 3,
indicating the ability to move against gravity but not against the examiner's
resistance. After handgrip exercise for 5 days (10 sessions), muscle strength
increased to 4/5, with the left hand remaining at 5 (normal) and the right hand at
4, indicating the ability to move against gravity and examiner's resistance but not
yet reaching normal strength. Right-hand grip strength increased from 4 kg to 5
kg. Mr. T reported that his hand felt lighter, stiffness decreased, and gripping
became easier. Impaired physical mobility was resolved.
The improvement in (Manual Muscle Testing) MMT and grip strength,
accompanied by improvement in subjective complaints, indicated positive
progress in upper-extremity function. Handgrip exercise should be continued
gradually and regularly according to the patient's ability and tolerance.
Keywords: handgrip exercise, upper extremity muscle strength, elderly, post
stroke, impaired physical mobility.