Evaluation of total grip strength and individual finger forces on opposing (A-type) handles among Koreans

Abstract

The present study evaluated the effect of grip span on finger forces and defined the best grip span for maximising total grip strength based on the finger forces and subjective discomfort in a static exertion. Five grip spans (45, 50, 55, 60 and 65 mm) of the opposing (A-type) handle shape were tested in this study to measure total grip strength and individual finger force among Korean population. A total of 30 males who participated in this study were asked to exert a maximum grip force with two repetitions, and to report the subjective discomfort experienced between exertions using the Borg's CR-10 scale. The highest grip strength was obtained at 45 mm and 50 mm grip spans. Results also showed that forces of all fingers, except for the middle finger force, significantly differed over the grip spans. The lowest subjective discomfort was observed in the 50 mm grip span. The results might be used as development guidelines for ergonomic opposing (A-type) hand tools for Korean population.

Abstract

Practitioner Summary: This research evaluated the effects of opposing (A-type) handle grip spans on finger forces and subjective ratings. The findings of this study would be valuable and applicable information for designing handles in opposing (A-type) hand tools, which have relatively been less focused upon.

Keywords::

• total grip strength
• individual finger force
• grip spans
• subjective discomfort
• opposing (A-type) hand tool

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by the National Research Foundation of Korea [grant number 2011-0016753] as funded by the Korean government.