Human Physiology with Vernier
16 - 1
Computer
16
Grip Strength Comparison
The importance of hand strength and function is evident in all aspects of our daily living, from
eating and maintaining personal hygiene to keyboarding at the computer, performing brain
surgery, or playing tennis or the piano. People suffering from arthritis or hand injury quickly
appreciate the difficulty of performing even the most mundane tasks with reduced grip strength.
Testing of hand grip strength is used by orthopedic surgeons and physical therapists to evaluate
the extent of an injury and the progress of recovery. Grip strength can also be used to diagnose
neuromuscular problems such as stroke, herniated disks in the neck, carpal tunnel syndrome, and
elbow tendonitis. Athletes are interested in grip strength because it relates to performance in
many sports, such as tennis, golf, baseball, football, gymnastics, and rock climbing.
Pinch strength is a way for occupational therapists to measure loss of fine-motor strength in the
thumb, fingers, and forearm. It is useful for analyzing the extent of an injury and the outcome
from surgery or therapy.
In Part I of this experiment, you will measure and compare grip strength in your right and left
hands. You will also correlate grip strength with gender, handedness, and height. In Part II you
will analyze the pinch strength of each of your four fingers.
Important:
Do not attempt this exercise if you have arthritis, carpal tunnel syndrome, or any
ailment that might be exacerbated by using the muscles of your arm and hand.
Figure 1
16 - 2
Human Physiology with Vernier
Computer 16
OBJECTIVES
In this experiment, you will
Measure and compare grip strength of your right and left hands.
Correlate grip strength with gender and certain physical characteristics.
Compare the pinch strengths of the individual fingers of the dominant hand.
MATERIALS
LabQuest
Vernier Hand Dynamometer
PROCEDURE
Each person in the group will take turns being subject and tester.
