Journal of Hand Therapy RSS feed: Articles in Press. The Journal of Hand Therapy is designed for hand therapists, occupational and physical therapists, and other hand specialists involved in the rehabilitation of disabling hand problems. The Journal functions as a source of education and information by publishing scientific and clinical articles. Regular features include original reports, clinical reviews, case studies, editorials, and book reviews. http://www.jhandtherapy.org//inpress?rss=yesElsevier Inc.en © 2012 Hanley & Belfus. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. Journal of Hand Therapy0894-11302012-05-11 © 2012 Hanley & Belfus. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. healthpermissions@elsevier.comhttp://www.jhandtherapy.org/article/PIIS0894113012000178/abstract?rss=yesAbstract: The adoption of evidence-based practice (EBP) principles is advocated by many professional organizations. The purpose of this study was to assess the current attitudes and opinions of hand therapists toward EBP. A 35-item electronic survey was sent via e-mail to 2,997 hand therapists and 312 (10.4%) of eligible therapists responded. There was an overall strong endorsement of EBP among most respondents. Nearly all respondents believe that EBP plays a positive role in clinical practice, improves patient outcomes and clinical decision making, and that therapists should be familiar with EBP techniques to critically appraise clinical research studies. Respondents had a positive attitude toward EBP and the main barriers to EBP included: time limitations, limited journal access, and lack of evidence for treating specific diagnoses. Efforts to advance EBP in hand therapy should focus on reducing these barriers.Level of Evidence: 3b.Attitudes and Opinions of Evidence-based Practice among Hand Therapists: A Survey Study - Corrected ProofKristin Valdes, Rebecca von der Heyde10.1016/j.jht.2012.02.001Journal of Hand Therapy (2012)2012-05-11Journal of Hand Therapy2012-05-11SCIENTIFIC/CLINICAL ARTICLEhttp://www.jhandtherapy.org/article/PIIS0894113012000191/abstract?rss=yesAbstract: Study design: Cross-sectional multi-centre study.Introduction: The ICF Core Sets for Hand Conditions (HC) have been developed to describe functioning of patients with HC.Purpose of the study: To study the content validity of the Brief ICF Core Set for HC.Methods: Patients with HC were interviewed using the Comprehensive ICF Core Set for HC. ICF categories that best explained variation in patients' general health were identified using multiple regression methods.Results: Overall, 12 of the 23 ICF categories of the Brief ICF Core Set could be validated. Our analyzes further revealed that the categories “b134 Sleep functions”, “s830 Structure of nails”, “e225 Climate” as well as categories referring to “e4 Attitudes” also deserve consideration when assessing functioning in patients with HC.Conclusions: Clinicians are encouraged to complement the Brief ICF Core Set for HC by adding sleep functions, structure of nails, climate and attitudes, especially when following patients over time.Level of Evidence: Level 3.Validation of the Brief International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health (ICF) Core Set for Hand Conditions - Corrected ProofSandra Kus, Cornelia Oberhauser, Alarcos Cieza10.1016/j.jht.2012.02.003Journal of Hand Therapy (2012)2012-05-09Journal of Hand Therapy2012-05-09SCIENTIFIC/CLINICAL ARTICLEhttp://www.jhandtherapy.org/article/PIIS089411301200018X/abstract?rss=yesAbstract: Simplifying orthotic fabrication in the clinic is of value to both therapists and patients. This author describes a technique of using thermoplastic material to create a hinge, thus eliminating the task of lining up hinges with the joint axis of motion. Three different orthotic designs using this technique are described in this article.—Victoria Priganc, PhD, OTR, CHT, CLT, Practice Forum EditorThermoplastic Hinges: Eliminating the Need for Rivets in Mobilization Orthoses - Corrected ProofDeborah A. Schwartz10.1016/j.jht.2012.02.002Journal of Hand Therapy (2012)2012-05-07Journal of Hand Therapy2012-05-07PRACTICE FORUMhttp://www.jhandtherapy.org/article/PIIS089411301100175X/abstract?rss=yesAbstract: We devised a sincerity of effort assessment based on “tricking” a person into exerting maximal effort by providing incorrect visual feedback. The assessment involves deriving a target line from nonvisual peak gripping force, instructing participants to reach it with each grip repetition, and then secretly changing its position, which requires doubling the force necessary to reach it. Accordingly, participants are tricked into exerting more force than intended to reach the deceptive target line. We examined the validity of this test by comparing force values between “trick” and “non-trick” trials in 30 healthy participants. The study design used was a prospective cohort. Providing incorrect visual feedback caused significantly greater increases in force during submaximal effort (69%) than during maximal effort (28%). This test effectively detected submaximal effort (sensitivity=0.83 and specificity=0.93). Although this test is not safe for patients during initial therapy, it may be appropriate for patients who can safely exert maximal grip force.Level of Evidence: Not applicable.Using the “Visual Target Grip Test” to Identify Sincerity of Effort during Grip Strength Testing - Corrected ProofOrit Shechtman, Bhagwant S. Sindhu, Paul W. Davenport10.1016/j.jht.2011.12.007Journal of Hand Therapy (2012)2012-04-09Journal of Hand Therapy2012-04-09SCIENTIFIC/CLINICAL ARTICLEhttp://www.jhandtherapy.org/article/PIIS0894113011001761/abstract?rss=yesAs hand therapists, we are often creative in altering and individualizing orthoses to meet specific patient needs. To assist patients in regaining desired thumb interphalangeal joint range of motion, these authors added a target component to a standard short opponens orthosis. This target component allowed patients to visualize the range of motion goal, thus subjectively resulting in better patient compliance and range of motion.—Victoria Priganc, PhD, OTR, CHT, CLT, Practice Forum EditorTarget-focused Exercise Regime: A Motivational Strategy to Improve Patient’s Adherence to Treatment of a Stiff Thumb Interphalangeal Joint - Corrected ProofG. Sudhagar, Monique LeBlanc10.1016/j.jht.2011.12.008Journal of Hand Therapy (2012)2012-04-09Journal of Hand Therapy2012-04-09PRACTICE FORUM