Evaluation of Hand-Grip Strength Measurement Using the Pablo Virtual Reality System in Young Adults

BACKGROUND Virtual reality (VR) technologies are increasingly used as a complement to conventional rehabilitation. Pablo technology is based on the phenomenon of biofeedback, and is used during exercise. In addition to the therapeutic module, the Pablo system allows assessment of grip strength of the hand and fingers. This study aimed to evaluate the credibility and reliability of the cylindrical, lateral, and 2-point lateral hand-grip strength measurement in 104 healthy young adults using the Pablo (Tyromotion) VR gaming device. MATERIAL AND METHODS The study was conducted in Poland in a group of 104 people aged 20-26. Assessment was conducted of cylindrical hand grip strength, lateral thumb-finger grip strength, and 3 sets of 2-point lateral between-fingers grip strength: II-III, III-IV, and IV-V. The tests were carried out on the right and left hands using the Pablo Plus system. The tests were conducted twice, with an interval of 2 weeks between each test, and by 2 independent investigators. RESULTS Based on the high values of the interclass correlation coefficient (ICC), which was >0.9, and Cronbach's alpha index, which was >0.9, good reliability was demonstrated for all variables: lateral, cylindrical, and 2-point lateral (II-III, III-IV, and IV-V) grips. There was also high consistency of measurements between investigators and between tests conducted 2 weeks apart. CONCLUSIONS The Pablo Tyromotion interactive device has good intra-rater and inter-rater reliability. It can therefore be concluded that the interactive dynamometer is an appropriate instrument for measuring precision grip and grip strength.