Grip strength of the human hand--measurements on normal subjects with a new hand strength analysis system (Hastras)

Area of Science:

• Biomechanics
• Human Physiology
• Rehabilitation Engineering

Background:

• Accurate measurement of human hand grip strength is crucial for clinical assessment and research.
• Existing methods may lack efficiency in data processing and detailed functional analysis.
• Development of novel, user-friendly equipment is needed for comprehensive grip strength evaluation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce and validate a new PC-based system, 'Hastras', for acquiring reference data on hand grip strength.
• To assess the capability of Hastras in providing continuous force measurement and detailed analysis of grip function.
• To compare the statistical consistency of Hastras measurements with previously published data.

Main Methods:

• Recruitment of 81 healthy, non-injured male subjects.
• Utilizing the newly developed PC-based hand strength analysis equipment, 'Hastras', for data acquisition.
• Continuous measurement and recording of maximal grip force using a sensor.
• Computerized analysis of force signals to determine maximum force, fatigue, area, and rate of force development (force/s).

Main Results:

• Hastras successfully acquired reference data from healthy male subjects.
• Computerized analysis provided detailed metrics including maximum force, fatigue, area, and force/s.
• Statistical analysis confirmed consistency with earlier published data from other hand strength equipment.
• The system demonstrated ease of data processing and storage.

Conclusions:

• Hastras is a reliable and efficient tool for measuring and analyzing human hand grip strength.
• The equipment facilitates easy data processing, storage, and detailed functional analysis.
• The findings support the use of Hastras for generating reference data and assessing grip function.