Multiaxis grip characteristics for varying handle diameters and effort

Objective: A multiaxis dynamometer was used to quantify grip force vector angles and longitudinal centers of pressure (COPs) while varying handle size and effort used.

Background: Authors of many studies have examined maximum grip strength using scalar instruments; a few have measured two-axis forces limited to one or more finger contact. This novel dynamometer uses two instrumented beams that are grasped by the distal fingers and proximal palm to compute two orthogonal components of force and the longitudinal COP through which the force acts.

Method: Sixteen healthy, right-handed participants grasped the multiaxis dynamometer with plastic handles ranging in diameter from 3.81 to 7.62 cm. They were required to scale their effort to 25%, 50%, 75%, and 100% of maximum.

Results: Grip force vector angles were affected by both handle diameter and effort level, with angles increasing an average of 8.1° from the least to greatest effort. Longitudinal COP, averaged among the two beams, shifted 1.75 cm radially as handle diameter increased from 3.81 cm to 7.62 cm. Average COP along the beam in contact with the distal finger segments shifted 0.75 cm ulnarly as effort level increased from 25% to 100% of maximum.

Conclusion: Grip force characteristics changed with handle diameter and effort level. Overall grip force magnitude comprised both force components measured.

Application: Understanding grip characteristics should be important for handle and grip design and for evaluating hand function.