Grip Force and CR-10 Ratings for Youth Females

Abstract

In this study, an experiment was conducted to measure the grip force for teenaged females at four pre-determined exertion levels on the CR-10 scale. The exertion levels of 2, 5, 7, and 10 corresponded to the 20%, 50%, 70%, and 100% of the maximum voluntary contraction (MVC). The subjects were required to grip a dynamometer using both dominant and non-dominant hand. The posture of the elbow was either straight down or at 90 degree flexion. Eight one females participated in the study. The analysis of variance (ANOVA) results indicated that the exertion level, elbow posture, handedness were all significant factors affecting the grip force. The Duncan's multiple range test results indicated that the grip force at exertion level 10 (208.95 N) was significantly (p<0.05) higher than those of the levels 7 (164.66 N), 5 (128.08 N), and 2 (56.65 N). The grip force at exertion level 7 was significantly (p<0.05) higher than those of the levels 5 and 2. The grip force at exertion level 5 was significantly (p<0.05) higher than that of level 2. The Duncan's multiple range test results indicated that the grip force at 180 degree elbow posture (142.26 N) was significantly (p<0.05) higher than that of the 90 degree posture (136.91 N). The interaction effects of the exertion level and hand used were also significant (p=0.0035). The overall Pearson's correlation coefficient between the CR-10 ratings and the grip forces was 0.84 (p<0.0001).