How To Set Up the Hand Grip Tool on PrimusRS

Learn how to set up the hand grip tool (162) on your PrimusRS for hand grip exercise and testing.

Grip strength exercises play a vital role in upper extremity physical therapy, occupational therapy, and of course, hand therapy. With the PrimusRS, a simple grip strength exercise becomes highly engaging, completely customizable, and supported with objective performance data. Learn how to set up the hand grip tool on your PrimusRS for quick, fun, and evidence-based grip strengthening exercise.

Steps To Use the PrimusRS Hand Grip Tool

Also known as the 162 tool, the PrimusRS hand grip tool is quick and easy to set up. Once the machine is powered on, the easiest way to start is with the workhead lowered to your (the therapist’s) waist height and facing up. From there, follow these steps:

1. Twist to unlock the shaft
2. Place the stabilizing arm in position A (or another lettered position)
3. Twist to lock the collar

Position A is the most common for hand grip strengthening exercises in the standard position. Using the other lettered positions allows you to change the exercise based on your goals for the task, job, or sport simulation. Once the tool is locked in place, you can now move the workhead to the height and angle needed for your exercise.

Customize Your PrimusRS Hand Grip Exercise

Grip Width

Depending on your patient, you may need to increase or decrease the grip width. To do so, use the movable pin to change the width to your desired position. For progressive grip strength exercises, changing the width will allow you to continue challenging your patient through the full grip range over time.

Resistance Modes

With the PrimusRS, you can change the resistance mode to alter the requirements of the exercise. With the hand grip tool, you can test or do exercise in these resistance modes:

• Isotonic
• Concentric-eccentric
• Isometric (for early motor re-education and isolated strengthening)

Workhead Height and Angle

Changing the PrimusRS workhead height and angle unlocks a world of creative clinical applications of the grip strength tool. For example, you can use the grip strength tool to simulate operating a power drill at an overhead position or lowered towards the ground. Simulating job tasks in the clinic can make your work hardening or return to work treatment plan more effective and engaging.

How To Remove the PrimusRS Hand Grip Tool

When your hand grip activity is finished, follow these steps to remove the hand grip tool:

1. Stop the exercise on the screen
2. Twist to unlock the collar
3. Twist to unlock the shaft if necessary
4. Remove the hand grip tool from the workhead

You can now perform grip strength testing and exercise with your PrimusRS. Follow us on YouTube for more product tutorials.

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