METHODS: This study included 110 patients with leprosy from Likupang and Lembata, Indonesia. Hand function was assessed using the modified Jebsen test to measure hand function respective of the dominance. The grip and pinch strength were used as objective measures of clinical arm function. The World Health Organization (WHO) hand disability grade were used to determine the degree of impairment. Other factors such as age, sex and the type of leprosy were also considered. All factors were analysed using backward logistic regression.

RESULTS: Among the 110 participants, a decrease in the dominant (48.2%) and non-dominant (50.9%) hand functions were found. Pinch strength (OR: 3.39; 95% CI: 1.13-10.19) and age (OR: 4.91; 95% CI: 1.72-14.03) were significantly associated with hand function irrespective of the dominance. Conversely, the WHO hand disability grade (OR: 2.97; 95% CI: 1.10-8.04) and type of leprosy (OR: 0.34; 95% CI: 0.12-0.97) were significantly associated with only function of the dominant hand.

METHOD: This cross-sectional multicentre study investigated a healthy paediatric population aged 4-18 years in Indonesia. The 6-minute walk test (6MWT) was conducted in accordance with the American Thoracic Society guidelines. Data were presented as the 6MWD according to age and sex per year. Univariate and multivariate analyses were conducted on the basis of the 6MWDpred Rizky formula.

RESULTS: A total of 634 participants were included in this study. Age, sex, weight, leg length and height affected the 6MWD (P<0.001). In the regression model, sex and height were the predictors of 6MWD, with height as the best single predictor.