Defined hangrip force / differences and error variability in healthy adults

Abstract

Assessment of the intensity of hand grip force is applied in different areas of research activities. Generally researchers test the maximum intensity of the hand grip force, while the respondents are less frequently asked to achieve the defined intensity of force without visual feedback. This study aims to determine the differences in error variabilities in achieving the defined hand grip force, without the visual feedback, in healthy adults of both sexes. A standardized test - the handgrip test was used for the purpose of this study. Forty participants took part in this study, 19 women and 21 men, with the median age of 37. ANOVA and t-test were used in order to determine the differences in the manifestation of errors of hand grip force, within and between the subject groups. A statistically significant difference in the manifestation of errors within the group of male subjects appeared at 10% of the maximum grip force, whereas the female group demonstrated it at 90% of the maximum force. Between both groups, a significant difference in the manifestation of errors manifested at 90% of the maximum force of the left non-dominant hand. Subjects of both sexes have erred at lower defined levels of force, while at submaximal levels, errors decreased significantly. In general, male subjects were more accurate than female. Moreover, there was a statistically significant difference in the attainment of maximum force in both hands between men and women. The results can be used as an indicator for further research in special education and rehabilitation, as well as in medical and vocational rehabilitation.

Keywords

• hand grip
• error manifestation
• defined level of force
• visual feedback