{"status":"ok","message-type":"work","message-version":"1.0.0","message":{"indexed":{"date-parts":[[2026,6,19]],"date-time":"2026-06-19T12:02:03Z","timestamp":1781870523883,"version":"3.54.5"},"reference-count":49,"publisher":"MDPI AG","issue":"19","license":[{"start":{"date-parts":[[2025,9,28]],"date-time":"2025-09-28T00:00:00Z","timestamp":1759017600000},"content-version":"vor","delay-in-days":0,"URL":"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by\/4.0\/"}],"content-domain":{"domain":["www.mdpi.com"],"crossmark-restriction":true},"short-container-title":["JCM"],"abstract":"<jats:p>Background: Hand function is critical for daily living, occupational performance, and sports. Optimal training approaches for healthy adults remain unclear. Objective: To evaluate the effects of hand-focused strength and proprioceptive training on grip strength, pinch strength, manual dexterity, maximum voluntary contraction, joint position sense, and force sense in healthy younger and older adults. Methods: PubMed, Google Scholar, Semantic Scholar, Web of Science, Cochrane CENTRAL and registers were searched until July 2025 for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) involving adults (\u226518 years) without upper limb dysfunction. Studies with clinical populations, single-session interventions, or lacking pre\u2013post outcome data were excluded. Risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane RoB 2 tool. Random-effects meta-analyses (Hedges\u2019 g) pooled pre\u2013post change score differences for each outcome; subgroup analyses examined age, training type, and comparator. Results: Twenty-two RCTs (n = 1017 participants; 19\u201378 years) met the inclusion criteria. Strength and proprioceptive training produced a small-to-moderate improvement in grip strength (g = 0.44, 95% CI [0.23\u20130.64], 95%PI [\u20130.09, 0.96]) and a large improvement in manual dexterity (g = 1.11, 95% CI [0.52\u20131.71], 95%PI [\u20130.01, 2.23]). Effects on pinch strength were positive but non-significant (g = 0.63, 95% CI [\u20130.09\u20131.35], 95%PI [\u20131.38, 2.63]) and showed substantial heterogeneity. Moderator analyses indicated greater effects in older adults (g = 0.97) compared to younger adults (g = 0.18). Strength-only protocols showed significant effects, while combined protocols yielded smaller, non-significant effects; however, the difference between them was not statistically significant. Effects were also larger when compared with passive controls than with untrained hands. Limitations: Evidence quality was limited by high risk of bias, measurement variability, and small study numbers for some outcomes. Conclusions: Strength-focused hand training, particularly in older adults, yields meaningful improvements in grip strength and dexterity. Further high-quality RCTs are needed for under-studied outcomes.<\/jats:p>","DOI":"10.3390\/jcm14196882","type":"journal-article","created":{"date-parts":[[2025,9,30]],"date-time":"2025-09-30T09:12:23Z","timestamp":1759223543000},"page":"6882","update-policy":"https:\/\/doi.org\/10.3390\/mdpi_crossmark_policy","source":"Crossref","is-referenced-by-count":10,"title":["Hand-Focused Strength and Proprioceptive Training for Improving Grip Strength and Manual Dexterity in Healthy Adults: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis"],"prefix":"10.3390","volume":"14","author":[{"ORCID":"https:\/\/orcid.org\/0000-0002-1244-1853","authenticated-orcid":false,"given":"Anna","family":"Akba\u015f","sequence":"first","affiliation":[{"name":"Institute of Sport Sciences, Department of Human Motor Behavior, Academy of Physical Education, 40-065 Katowice, Poland"}],"role":[{"vocabulary":"crossref","role":"author"}]}],"member":"1968","published-online":{"date-parts":[[2025,9,28]]},"reference":[{"key":"ref_1","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"1","DOI":"10.54729\/2789-8288.1034","article-title":"Effect of Segmental Vibration on Hand and Pinch Grip Strengths in Healthy Subjects","volume":"2","author":"Abbas","year":"2020","journal-title":"BAU J. Health Wellbeing"},{"key":"ref_2","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"241","DOI":"10.52403\/ijhsr.20210539","article-title":"Impact of Pinch Strength Training along with Postural Education on Upper Extremity Functional Performance among Dentist","volume":"11","author":"Dhinju","year":"2021","journal-title":"Int. J. Health Sci. Res."},{"key":"ref_3","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"71","DOI":"10.1016\/j.pop.2004.11.010","article-title":"The Hand in Sports: An Update on the Clinical Anatomy and Physical Examination","volume":"32","author":"Patel","year":"2005","journal-title":"Prim. Care Clin. Off. Pract."},{"key":"ref_4","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","unstructured":"Witkowski, M., Bojkowski, \u0141., Karpowicz, K., Konieczny, M., Bronikowski, M., and Tomczak, M. (2020). Effectiveness and Durability of Transfer Training in Fencing. Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health, 17.","DOI":"10.3390\/ijerph17030849"},{"key":"ref_5","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","unstructured":"Assmann, M., Steinmetz, G., Schilling, A.F., and Saul, D. (2021). Comparison of Grip Strength in Recreational Climbers and Non-Climbing Athletes\u2014A Cross-Sectional Study. Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health, 18.","DOI":"10.3390\/ijerph18010129"},{"key":"ref_6","first-page":"71","article-title":"Cross-Education Effects of Wrist Flexor Strengthening on Grip Strength: Comparison of Eccentric and Concentric Training","volume":"20","author":"Tan","year":"2024","journal-title":"Malays. J. Med. Health Sci."},{"key":"ref_7","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"183","DOI":"10.1016\/j.hansur.2020.11.007","article-title":"Can Maximal Handgrip Strength and Endurance Be Improved by an 8-Week Specialized Strength Training Program in Older Women? A Randomized Controlled Study","volume":"40","author":"Gerodimos","year":"2021","journal-title":"Hand Surg. Rehabil."},{"key":"ref_8","first-page":"3","article-title":"Comparative Effectiveness of Resistance Training with and Without Finger Movement Exercises on Hand Grip Strength and Hand Function in Elderly Population: A Randomized Controlled Trial","volume":"11","author":"Arshad","year":"2023","journal-title":"J. Riphah Coll. Rehabil. Sci."},{"key":"ref_9","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"M518","DOI":"10.1093\/gerona\/56.8.M518","article-title":"Skilled Finger Movement Exercise Improves Hand Function","volume":"56","author":"Ranganathan","year":"2001","journal-title":"J. Gerontol. Ser. A"},{"key":"ref_10","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"686","DOI":"10.1159\/000501203","article-title":"Effects of Exercise Training on Handgrip Strength in Older Adults: A Meta-Analytical Review","volume":"65","author":"Labott","year":"2019","journal-title":"Gerontology"},{"key":"ref_11","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"3313","DOI":"10.1152\/jn.00122.2012","article-title":"Can Proprioceptive Training Improve Motor Learning?","volume":"108","author":"Wong","year":"2012","journal-title":"J. Neurophysiol."},{"key":"ref_12","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","unstructured":"Aman, J.E., Elangovan, N., Yeh, I.L., and Konczak, J. (2015). The Effectiveness of Proprioceptive Training for Improving Motor Function: A Systematic Review. Front. Hum. Neurosci., 8.","DOI":"10.3389\/fnhum.2014.01075"},{"key":"ref_13","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"1364","DOI":"10.1016\/j.apmr.2023.10.016","article-title":"Effect of Proprioceptive Training Compared with Other Interventions for Upper Limb Deficits in People with Parkinson Disease: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials","volume":"105","author":"Malwanage","year":"2024","journal-title":"Arch. Phys. Med. Rehabil."},{"key":"ref_14","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"56","DOI":"10.1055\/s-2003-45228","article-title":"The Effects of a Sensorimotor Training and a Strength Training on Postural Stabilisation, Maximum Isometric Contraction and Jump Performance","volume":"25","author":"Bruhn","year":"2004","journal-title":"Int. J. Sports Med."},{"key":"ref_15","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","unstructured":"Winter, L., Huang, Q., Sertic, J.V.L., and Konczak, J. (2022). The Effectiveness of Proprioceptive Training for Improving Motor Performance and Motor Dysfunction: A Systematic Review. Front. Rehabil. Sci., 3.","DOI":"10.3389\/fresc.2022.830166"},{"key":"ref_16","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"277","DOI":"10.4085\/1062-6050-49.3.84","article-title":"Strength Training and Shoulder Proprioception","volume":"50","author":"Salles","year":"2015","journal-title":"J. Athl. Train."},{"key":"ref_17","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"552","DOI":"10.4236\/ijcm.2023.1412047","article-title":"Different Resistance Exercise Interventions for Handgrip Strength in Apparently Healthy Adults: A Systematic Review","volume":"14","author":"Abe","year":"2023","journal-title":"Int. J. Clin. Med."},{"key":"ref_18","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","unstructured":"Haddaway, N.R., Page, M.J., Pritchard, C.C., and McGuinness, L.A. (2022). PRISMA2020: An R Package and Shiny App for Producing PRISMA 2020-Compliant Flow Diagrams, with Interactivity for Optimised Digital Transparency and Open Synthesis. Campbell Syst. Rev., 18.","DOI":"10.1002\/cl2.1230"},{"key":"ref_19","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"2072","DOI":"10.1152\/japplphysiol.01149.2004","article-title":"Practice Reduces Motor Unit Discharge Variability in a Hand Muscle and Improves Manual Dexterity in Old Adults","volume":"98","author":"Kornatz","year":"2005","journal-title":"J. Appl. Physiol."},{"key":"ref_20","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"1095","DOI":"10.1152\/japplphysiol.01385.2011","article-title":"Handling Objects in Old Age: Forces and Moments Acting on the Object","volume":"112","author":"Parikh","year":"2012","journal-title":"J. Appl. Physiol."},{"key":"ref_21","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","unstructured":"Radder, B., Prange-Lasonder, G.B., Kottink, A.I.R., Holmberg, J., Sletta, K., van Dijk, M., Meyer, T., Melendez-Calderon, A., Buurke, J.H., and Rietman, J.S. (2019). Home Rehabilitation Supported by a Wearable Soft-Robotic Device for Improving Hand Function in Older Adults: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial. PLoS ONE, 14.","DOI":"10.1371\/journal.pone.0220544"},{"key":"ref_22","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"369","DOI":"10.3200\/JMBR.39.5.369-380","article-title":"Perception-Action Coupling and Anticipatory Performance in Baseball Batting","volume":"39","author":"Ranganathan","year":"2007","journal-title":"J. Mot. Behav."},{"key":"ref_23","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"311","DOI":"10.1123\/mcj.12.4.311","article-title":"Strength Training Increases Training-Specific Multifinger Coordination in Humans","volume":"12","author":"Shim","year":"2008","journal-title":"Motor Control"},{"key":"ref_24","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"1","DOI":"10.18637\/jss.v036.i03","article-title":"Conducting Meta-Analyses in R with the Metafor Package","volume":"36","author":"Viechtbauer","year":"2010","journal-title":"J. Stat. Softw."},{"key":"ref_25","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","unstructured":"Cochran, W.G. (1954). The Combination of Estimates from Different Experiments. Biometrics, 10.","DOI":"10.2307\/3001666"},{"key":"ref_26","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"555","DOI":"10.53350\/pjmhs22161555","article-title":"The Impact of 4-Weeks Dominant Wrist-Forearm Strength Training Ipsilateral and Contralateral on the Strength","volume":"16","author":"Taraf","year":"2022","journal-title":"Pakistan J. Med. Health Sci."},{"key":"ref_27","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","unstructured":"de Carvalho Bastone, A., Nobre, L.N., de Souza Moreira, B., Rosa, I.F., Ferreira, G.B., Santos, D.D.L., Monteiro, N.K.S.S., Alves, M.D., Gandra, R.A., and de Lira, E.M. (2020). Independent and Combined Effect of Home-Based Progressive Resistance Training and Nutritional Supplementation on Muscle Strength, Muscle Mass and Physical Function in Dynapenic Older Adults with Low Protein Intake: A Randomized Controlled Trial. Arch. Gerontol. Geriatr., 89.","DOI":"10.1016\/j.archger.2020.104098"},{"key":"ref_28","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","unstructured":"Bartolom\u00e9, I., Siquier-Coll, J., P\u00e9rez-Quintero, M., Robles-Gil, M.C., Mu\u00f1oz, D., and Maynar-Mari\u00f1o, M. (2021). Effect of Handgrip Training in Extreme Heat on the Development of Handgrip Maximal Isometric Strength among Young Males. Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health, 18.","DOI":"10.3390\/ijerph18105240"},{"key":"ref_29","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"1531","DOI":"10.1249\/MSS.0b013e3182100439","article-title":"Practicing a Functional Task Improves Steadiness with Hand Muscles in Older Adults","volume":"43","author":"Marmon","year":"2011","journal-title":"Med. Sci. Sports Exerc."},{"key":"ref_30","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"118","DOI":"10.4103\/jiag.jiag_27_22","article-title":"Effect of Task-Oriented Training on Hand Dexterity, Grip Strength, and Function among Institutionalized Geriatric Population","volume":"18","author":"Mathews","year":"2022","journal-title":"J. Indian Acad. Geriatr."},{"key":"ref_31","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","unstructured":"Naito, E., Morita, T., Hirose, S., Kimura, N., Okamoto, H., Kamimukai, C., and Asada, M. (2021). Bimanual Digit Training Improves Right-Hand Dexterity in Older Adults by Reactivating Declined Ipsilateral Motor-Cortical Inhibition. Sci. Rep., 11.","DOI":"10.1038\/s41598-021-02173-7"},{"key":"ref_32","first-page":"130","article-title":"Resistance Band Training with Functional Electrical Stimulation Improves Force Control Capabilities in Older Adults: A Preliminary Study","volume":"23","author":"Lee","year":"2024","journal-title":"Excli J."},{"key":"ref_33","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"69","DOI":"10.34142\/HSR.2023.09.01.06","article-title":"Comparing the Effect of Rhythmic Stabilization and Combination of Isotonic Technique on Grip Strength, Pinch Strength and Dexterity of Hand among Middle Aged Healthy Individuals\u2014A Randomized Clinical Trial","volume":"9","author":"Kumar","year":"2023","journal-title":"Health Sport. Rehabil."},{"key":"ref_34","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"23","DOI":"10.46858\/VIMSJPT.6103","article-title":"Comparison of Blood Flow Restriction Training Versus Traditional Strengthening on Handgrip Strength and Forearm Girth in Young Adults","volume":"6","author":"Sakshi","year":"2024","journal-title":"Vims J. Phys. Ther."},{"key":"ref_35","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"119","DOI":"10.1016\/j.humov.2018.01.011","article-title":"Effects of Motor Imagery and Action Observation on Hand Grip Strength, Electromyographic Activity and Intramuscular Oxygenation in the Hand Gripping Gesture: A Randomized Controlled Trial","volume":"58","year":"2018","journal-title":"Hum. Mov. Sci."},{"key":"ref_36","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"125","DOI":"10.3233\/IES-2008-0307","article-title":"The Effect of Resistance Training on Handgrip Strength in Young Adults","volume":"16","author":"Thomas","year":"2008","journal-title":"Isokinet. Exerc. Sci."},{"key":"ref_37","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","unstructured":"Wachholz, F., Gamper, N., and Schnitzer, M. (2024). An 8-Week Physical Exercise Intervention for e\u2019athletes Improves Physical Performance Rather than Short-Term Esports Performance Parameters\u2014A Randomized Controlled Trial. Front. Sport. Act. Living, 6.","DOI":"10.3389\/fspor.2024.1504205"},{"key":"ref_38","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"25","DOI":"10.1097\/PHM.0b013e3181fc7f6f","article-title":"Effect of Training on Interlimb Transfer of Dexterity Skills in Healthy Adults","volume":"90","author":"Pereira","year":"2011","journal-title":"Am. J. Phys. Med. Rehabil."},{"key":"ref_39","first-page":"258","article-title":"Robot-Assisted Training to Improve Proprioception Does Benefit from Added Vibro-Tactile Feedback","volume":"23","author":"Cuppone","year":"2015","journal-title":"IEEE Trans. Neural Syst. Rehabil. Eng."},{"key":"ref_40","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"1786","DOI":"10.1152\/jappl.1999.87.5.1786","article-title":"Strength Training Improves the Steadiness of Slow Lengthening Contractions Performed by Old Adults","volume":"87","author":"Laidlaw","year":"1999","journal-title":"J. Appl. Physiol."},{"key":"ref_41","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"1993","DOI":"10.1007\/s00421-016-3451-6","article-title":"No Evidence of Neural Adaptations Following Chronic Unilateral Isometric Training of the Intrinsic Muscles of the Hand: A Randomized Controlled Study","volume":"116","author":"Manca","year":"2016","journal-title":"Eur. J. Appl. Physiol."},{"key":"ref_42","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"1011","DOI":"10.1007\/s11682-017-9763-2","article-title":"Brain Motor Functional Changes after Somatosensory Discrimination Training","volume":"12","author":"Sarasso","year":"2018","journal-title":"Brain Imaging Behav."},{"key":"ref_43","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"208","DOI":"10.1016\/j.jelekin.2017.11.011","article-title":"Robotic Finger Perturbation Training Improves Finger Postural Steadiness and Hand Dexterity","volume":"38","author":"Yoshitake","year":"2018","journal-title":"J. Electromyogr. Kinesiol."},{"key":"ref_44","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"7","DOI":"10.2478\/hukin-2018-0063","article-title":"Unilateral Knee and Ankle Joint Fatigue Induce Similar Impairment to Bipedal Balance in Judo Athletes","volume":"66","author":"Ghram","year":"2019","journal-title":"J. Hum. Kinet."},{"key":"ref_45","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"2648","DOI":"10.1152\/jappl.1994.77.6.2648","article-title":"Training-Related Enhancement in the Control of Motor Output in Elderly Humans","volume":"77","author":"Keen","year":"1994","journal-title":"J. Appl. Physiol."},{"key":"ref_46","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"1166","DOI":"10.1152\/japplphysiol.00054.2008","article-title":"The Effects of Strength Training on Finger Strength and Hand Dexterity in Healthy Elderly Individuals","volume":"105","author":"Olafsdottir","year":"2008","journal-title":"J. Appl. Physiol."},{"key":"ref_47","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"248","DOI":"10.1016\/j.humov.2016.06.016","article-title":"Exercises Focusing on Rotator Cuff and Scapular Muscles Do Not Improve Shoulder Joint Position Sense in Healthy Subjects","volume":"49","author":"Lin","year":"2016","journal-title":"Hum. Mov. Sci."},{"key":"ref_48","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","unstructured":"Magni, N.E., McNair, P.J., and Rice, D.A. (2017). The Effects of Resistance Training on Muscle Strength, Joint Pain, and Hand Function in Individuals with Hand Osteoarthritis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Arthritis Res. Ther., 19.","DOI":"10.1186\/s13075-017-1348-3"},{"key":"ref_49","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"631","DOI":"10.1016\/j.humov.2010.01.004","article-title":"Corticospinal Properties Following Short-Term Strength Training of an Intrinsic Hand Muscle","volume":"29","author":"Kidgell","year":"2010","journal-title":"Hum. Mov. Sci."}],"container-title":["Journal of Clinical Medicine"],"original-title":[],"language":"en","link":[{"URL":"https:\/\/www.mdpi.com\/2077-0383\/14\/19\/6882\/pdf","content-type":"unspecified","content-version":"vor","intended-application":"similarity-checking"}],"deposited":{"date-parts":[[2025,9,30]],"date-time":"2025-09-30T09:46:00Z","timestamp":1759225560000},"score":1,"resource":{"primary":{"URL":"https:\/\/www.mdpi.com\/2077-0383\/14\/19\/6882"}},"subtitle":[],"short-title":[],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2025,9,28]]},"references-count":49,"journal-issue":{"issue":"19","published-online":{"date-parts":[[2025,10]]}},"alternative-id":["jcm14196882"],"URL":"https:\/\/doi.org\/10.3390\/jcm14196882","relation":{},"ISSN":["2077-0383"],"issn-type":[{"value":"2077-0383","type":"electronic"}],"subject":[],"published":{"date-parts":[[2025,9,28]]}}}