Isometric grip strength distribution of a Turkish sample as a function of posture and support

Abstract

In physical work activities, a worker’s capacity to perform mechanical work is partly determined by his/her capability to apply muscular strength. Especially in hand intensive jobs, to prevent fatigue and musculoskeletal disorders; to maximize quality, productivity and comfort; and minimize associated costs, strength capabilities of workers should be determined in order to match them with job strength demands. By using grip strength data, it can be ensured that the majority of workforce is capable to perform a given task, and the percentage of strength required by a repetitive task can be assessed so that fatigue is avoided. The main objective of this study was to estimate the maximum voluntary isometric (static) grip strength distribution of Anatolian people related to gender, age, occupation, and body characteristics. Another objective of the study was to investigate the effects of body posture and hand support on grip strength. For the purpose, a sample of 208 healthy participants (composed of 129 males and 79 females) with family origin from the seven regions of Turkey was recruited. The participants were sampled in a manner so that all working age and occupation groups were included in the study. The study involved both laboratory and field studies. Besides strength, some other body measurements such as stature and weight distributions of the sample were also estimated. The comparisons were also made with the strength data of the populations of several countries. Following the statistical analysis, the results were documented. According to the results, the male mean grip strength value was about 44% higher than the female mean grip strength value. Dominant hand was significantly stronger than non-dominant hand for both male and female. The heavy manual workers were, on average, stronger than the light manual workers and students were. The mean male grip strengths were similar from age group (18-29) to (40-49) years, and started decreasing thereafter. On the other hand, female mean grip strength increased from (18-29 yr.) age group to (30-39 yr.) age group and started decreasing thereafter. Grip strength increased significantly with support; however, body posture did not have significant effect on grip strength. Body mass index had also significant effect on mean grip strength. It was also concluded that the mean grip strength of the studied sample was while significantly higher than those of the Chinese samples; depending on the compared study, was either similar or lower than those of American and British samples.