THE RELATIONSHIP AMONG ISOMETRIC GRIP STRENGTH RECOVERY AND ANTHROPOMETRIC PARAMETERS

Abstract

Grip strength has a specific role in ergonomics especially for hand tool using. In ergonomics a hand tool must be designed such a way that provide a better fit for the user, hence it reduces the risk of potential injuries associated with the use of hand tool. Grip strength decreases in repetitive hand activities, and that it will recover after an adequate rest period. This paper presents the relationship between isometric grip strength and recovery in addition to the influence of potential anthropometric factors on grip strength. 20 male and 20 female subject’s age range from 20 to 51 years were selected in order to evaluate dominant hand grip strengths. Factors assessed for potential association with grip strength were; demographics such as age and gender; body constructs such as height and weight; upper extremity such as the linear dimensions of elbow to wrist length, hand length and hand breadth. Linear regression analysis was performed in order to identify influencing factors independently associated with grip strength. Pearson product correlation was performed to identify the nature of relationship between isometric grip strength and anthropometric parameters. Through descriptive statistics based on greatest mean grip strength, optimal handle position has been found in position-3 (3.5 cm) for male and position-2 (3.0 cm) for female. Mean grip strength of male has been found greater than female. Grip strengths of male and female in dominant hands are found to decrease with aging, and are significantly different between male and female. Z-test indicates that there are no significant differences on the rate of recovery at each point in time between groups. Linear regression analysis indicates that weight and hand breadth in male; age and weight in female have a significant effect on grip strength.