Grip Strength Survey Based on Hand Tool Usage

Hand grip strength is broadly used for performing tasks involving equipment in production and processing activities. Most professionals in this field rely on grip strength to perform their tasks. There were three main aims of this study: i) determining various hand grip strength measurements for the group of hand tool users, ii) investigating the effects of height, weight, age, hand dominance, body mass index, previous Cumulative Trauma Disorder (CTD) diagnosis, and hand tool usage experience on hand grip strength, and iii) comparing the obtained results with existing data for other populations. The study groups comprised 71 healthy male facility workers. The values of subjects’ ages was observed between 26 and 74 years. The data were statistically analyzed to assess the normality of data and the percentile values of grip strength. The results of this study demonstrate that there were no significance differences noted between dominant and non-dominant hands. However, there were highly significant differences between the CTD group and the other group. Hand grip strength for the dominant hand was positively correlated to height, weight, and body mass index, and negatively correlated to age and tool usage experience. Hand dominance, height, weight, body mass index, age and tool usage experience should be considered when establishing normal values for grip strength.

Anahtar Kelimeler:

Hand grip strength, Hand tool usage; Cumulative trauma disorder

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