Maximal Grip Force During Holding A Cylindrical Handle with Different Diameters

Purpose. The purpose of the study was to estimate the effects of cylindrical handle diameter and handle position on maximal grip force in young males and females. Basic procedures. The maximal voluntary grip force perpendicular to the surface of the handle was estimated using a glove with 320 sensor...

Full description

Saved in:
Bibliographic Details
Published in:Human movement 2009-06, Vol.10 (1), p.26-30
Main Authors: Mastalerz, Andrzej, Nowak, Ewa, Palczewska, Iwona, Kalka, Ewa
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
cylindrical handle
finger force
grip force
hand
Citations: Items that this one cites
Items that cite this one
Online Access:Get full text
Tags: Add Tag
No Tags, Be the first to tag this record!
Description
Summary:Purpose. The purpose of the study was to estimate the effects of cylindrical handle diameter and handle position on maximal grip force in young males and females. Basic procedures. The maximal voluntary grip force perpendicular to the surface of the handle was estimated using a glove with 320 sensors (Tekscan, USA - GripTM System). Individual digit and palm forces were studied. Different handle diameters (20, 30, 40 and 50 mm) and handle positions (vertical, natural - vertical handle with 12 deg of ulnar deviation of the hand, and horizontal) were applied during measurement. Main findings. Using handles and hand tools frequently leads to the feeling of discomfort in daily life. In a longer term, using improper handles and hand tools may also cause musculoskeletal disorders. Poor wrist positioning and handle diameter can diminish grip strength. The ideal diameter and wrist position during holding a tool handle was determined for males and females using maximal grip strength measurements. The obtained results showed that a tool handle diameter of 20 to 30 mm is optimal for the general population. Further research should be carried out to estimate the impact of wrist positioning in the elderly. Conclusions. The handle positioning is not a significant factor influencing hand grip force capabilities for young men and women. The grip force of three digits did not significantly vary for different handle positions used in the study. The optimal handle diameter for maximal grip force was estimated to be between 20 and 30 mm, and the diameter was larger for men. On the basis of results for individual digits the 30 mm diameter was chosen as optimal for both sexes.
ISSN:1732-3991
1899-1955
DOI:10.2478/v10038-009-0001-7