A comparative assessment of static muscular strength among female operative’s working in different handicraft occupations in India

Abstract

An ergonomic assessment of static muscular strength like hand grip-and pinch strength in handicraft occupation was made. In total, 170 female participants were selected for the case-control study, out of which 120 handicraft and 50 office workers were examined as exposed and control groups. Their maximum static handgrip- and pinch strength were measured using hand and pinch dynamometers. We analyze our findings to indicate static muscular strength varies significantly due to repetitive use of hand tools. The decrement in pinch grip strength was evident due to long cycle repetitive pinching movements of distal phalanx during hand knotting and pearl drilling. Based on our results we propose the need for ergonomically designed hand tool interventions that may reduce the accumulation of loss in static muscle strength.