The wrist position between neutral and ulnar deviation that facilitates the maximum power grip strength

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to identify the wrist position between neutral and ulnar deviation, and fifteen degrees each side of neutral in volar and dorsiflexion, that would produce the maximum power grip strength. Thirty right hand dominant adults with normal right upper extremities participated as subjects in the study. The maximum grip strength was measured in each of nine wrist positions between neutral and ulnar deviation, and fifteen degrees each side of neutral in volar and dorsiflexion by having the subject grip an adjustable isometric handle. The force data were subjected to an analysis of variance to determine that there was a significant difference between ulnar deviation wrist positions and between volar-dorsiflexion wrist positions, and that there was significant interaction between ulnar deviation and volar-dorsiflexion wrist positions. Further testing, using Duncan's Multiple Range Test, revealed that the differences in power grip strength means were not significant for zero degrees ulnar deviation and 15 degrees dorsiflexion, 15 degrees ulnar deviation and 15 degrees dorsiflexion, 15 degrees ulnar deviation and zero degrees volar-dorsiflexion, and zero degrees ulnar deviation and zero degrees volar-dorsiflexion wrist positions; however, these means were significantly higher than the power grip strength means for the other five wrist positions tested. Finally, the differences between the five lowest grip strength means were not significant.