This research empirically evaluated the effects of handle shape and size on the hand's ability to resist or exert force in six directions. Thirty-six handles of four sizes and nine shapes were tested for maximum force exertion by male and female subjects. The results show that subjects were able to generate higher forces with different sizes and shapes of handles, depending upon the direction of force exertion. This suggests that handles that are associated with high forces on particular directional tests are probably suited for tasks that incorporate that particular type of force or movement; they may not be appropriate for other tasks that do not incorporate such movement.
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