Interaction of Static Pinch and Forearm Torque

Abstract

A study was undertaken to evaluate the effects gender, torque direction, forearm position and pinch type on pinch and torque. The study was a mixed factor design with subjects nested within gender. The study demonstrated that wrist torque for three-jaw chuck pinch was 72% of wrist torque for the lateral (key) pinch; that average female wrist torque was 69% of males. The three-jaw chuck pinch force was 86% of lateral (key) pinch; that average female pinch force was 59% of males. Wrist torque and pinch force did not change significantly by forearm position. Pinch force was highest when no torque was applied; supinating torque was 64% of the no-torque pinch force, pronating torque was 69% of the no-torque pinch force. When examined by torque direction, wrist torque showed that pronating torque was 90% that of supinating torque.