The influence of arm position on the pinch grip strength of female dentists in standing and sitting positions

Abstract

The objective of this study was to measure and compare hand pinch grip forces in standing and sitting postures for a group of 77 healthy female dentists of 25 to 55 years old. The equipment used consisted of a gripping device with strain gauges, a measuring device and a printer. The results can be described as follows. With respect to absolute values the hand pinch forces are higher when the subject is standing with her arm supported, than when she is sitting. In the standing position the measured forces were maximum when the forearm was at 60° angle towards the frontal position, while in the sitting position the pinch grip forces were maximum with the forearm vertical (90°) with respect to the frontal position. The above data can be used to design the dentist's working area.