Introduction: Musculoskeletal injuries are one of the most common causes of work-related illnes, reimbursement and absence among workers in working environments throughout the world. Among various factors, exposure to vibration is one of the main causes of these injuries. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of key factors on the occurrence and exacerbation of the effects of exposure of Hand-arm to vibration. Materials and Methods: In this study, the amount of vibration as well as the amount of grasp force for 57 workers working with pneumatic torque wrench in an automobile industry was measured. Results: The main findings of the study showed that the mean grasp force of the workers after exposure to vibration decreased from 43. 22 to 40. 90 kg. The results of this study can provide valuable information on designing tools, controlling the incidence and outbreak of vibrational disorders. Conclusion: Based on the results obtained in this study, an average of 5. 67% reduction was observed in grasp force. Moreover, due to the strong correlation between the mean grasp force difference of workers before and after exposure to vibration and a 4-hour acceleration in the X axis, it can be concluded that the critical axis of the Hand-arm vibration is in the X-axis in the pneumatic torque wrench.

Introduction: In all societies, tools and equipment are generally designed for right-Handed people, who make up approximately 90% of the population, but left-Handed and ambidextrous people (those who use both Hands in manual activities) also live among us. Even in delicate and sensitive jobs. This research investigated the relationship between the spectral effect of the dominant Hand and grip strength and Hand dexterity. Material and Methods: A cross-sectional study was designed to measure the power and precision grip of 182 adult participants (56% female and 44% male). The dominant Hand of the participants was determined using the Edinburgh Dominant Hand Questionnaire. Power grip strength was measured using the Constant 14192-709E. Pinch grip test was performed using Saehan Hydraulic Pinch Gauge SH5005 for both Hands separately. Dexterity of both Hands was also measured using the Pegboard 32020A tool. Results: Power and precision grips were more common in men than in women (P<0.001). Power grip differed between right- and left-Handed women (P=0.019), with right-Handed women having greater grip strength. The Precision grip of left-Handed men was significantly (P<0.001) greater than that of right-Handed men. Hand dexterity of left-Handed men was significantly (P<0.001) higher than that of right-Handed men. Two-Handed agility (P<0.001) and assembly dexterity (P<0.001) are significantly higher in ambidextrous people than in right- and left-Handed people. Conclusion: The power, precision grip and dexterity are different between women and men. The grip strength of men is stronger than that of women. Ambidextrous people have more dexterity and assembly agility, so in jobs that require the use of two Hands, they perform better and will be recommended for employment in this category of jobs.

Introduction: Health-related physical fitness requires muscular strength to perform physical activities. The Handgrip test is used to assess the muscular strength of the Hand. The flexor muscle strength in palmar, thenar, and hypothenar areas of the Hand collectively form the Handgrip Strength (HGS). However, the extensor mechanism, including the intrinsic musculature, plays a minor role in producing Handgrip strength. Also, each finger plays an essential role in Handgrip strength. This study aims to identify the association between the Handgrip strength and the Handspan of the dominant and non-dominant Hands of undergraduate physical therapy students. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional observational study was conducted on undergraduate physical therapy students. Different public and private physical therapy schools and universities in Karachi City, Pakistan were chosen to collect the data with an estimated sample size of 100 undergraduate physical therapy students. The sampling was done by the non-probability convenient sampling method. The inclusion criteria were undergraduate physiotherapy students (from both genders) and willing to participate in the study. Results: The Pearson test was used to determine the significant correlation between Handgrip strength and Handspan. The results showed the mean and standard deviation of Handgrip strength (dominant Hand) was 25. 96± 11. 538, of Handgrip strength in Kg (non-dominant Hand) was 24. 93± 12. 336, and of Handspan length in Cm of the dominant Hand was 20. 2910± 1. 78671. The present study showed a positive association between Handgrip strength and Handspan. The Handgrip strength of the non-dominant Hand was higher than the dominant Handgrip strength values. Handspan was also higher in the non-dominant Hand compared with the dominant Hand, but this difference is not significant. Conclusion: The Handgrip strength of physical therapy students had a positive association with the Handspan. The Handspan and dominant Hand influence Handgrip strength.

Introduction: Malnutrition (MN) is a typical complication among hemodialysis patients which is associated with morbidity and mortality rates. This cross-sectional study investigated different indices in detecting MN in hemodialysis patients. Materials and Methods: MN assessment was performed using subjective [Subjective Global Assessment (SGA) and Dialysis Malnutrition Score (DMS)] and objective techniques [Hand grip Strength (HGS)] on patients undergoing hemodialysis 3 times a week in Semnan Province (Iran). SGA and DMS were evaluated by their specific check-lists and HGS analysis was performed using a Handgrip dynamometer. The dietary intake of hemodialysis patients was determined using a 4-day dietary recall. Moreover, 4 ml blood sample was obtained from each patient to measure serum biochemical parameters. Results: Amongst 116 enrolled patients, 61 were male and 55 were female. The total prevalence of MN in terms of SGA, DMS, and HGS was 74. 2, 58. 6, and 63% respectively. Moreover, the association of SGA with age and of DMS with age, gender, and time of hemodialysis were shown. For HGS, not only these factors but also biochemical parameters showed a relationship. This index was associated with serum Albumin and inflammatory marker, hsCRP. Conclusion: Simple and easily accessible tools like Handheld dynamometers can verify to be a good nutrition assessment technique for hemodialysis patients in combination with SGA or DMS.

Background: Hand function is considered as one of major indicators of health. In some of the medical specialities the power of the grip and pinch is important. In this study we wanted to see if grip and pinch power in orthopedic residents and surgeons is higher than other similar specialities.Method and materials: 164 medical school doctors, both faculty staff and residents of different specialities voluntarily participated in this study. The “grip power” was measured with mechanical Dynamometer and “pinch” with standard mechanical pinch gauge.Result: grip power of the orthopedic surgeons, with average age 44.8 and standard deviation of 10.27 in both Hands were significantly higher than orthopedic and non-orthopedic residents. The grip power of right Hand and left Hand of orthopedic group was significantly higher than non-orthopedic group 48.8519 kg (SD: 2.36320) versus 41.8675 kg (SD: 10.94105) and p<0.001. For the pinch power there was no significant difference 9.4814 kg (SD: 0.70858) versus 9.4815 kg (SD: 1.86404), (P<0.799). The finding of this study showed that grip power of the right and left Hands of orthopedic residents and surgeons was more than the others but “pinch power” in this study 87.2% were right and 12.8 were left Handed.Conclusion: This study has shown that the grip power of the orthopedic surgeons and residents in both right and left Hand are higher than the other measured group, with no difference in pinch power.

In designing work stations, maintaining best Hand posture is particularly important in achieving the highest grip power. This study aims to assess the effect of Hand posture on maximum force grip and discomfort in 24 tractor drivers in Sanandaj. maximum force grip in different postures using hydraulic dynamometer, and discomfort level using simulated 10-degree visual scale were measured and recorded. Significant relationships were observed between Hand direction and also Hand-shoulder distance and maximum force grip and discomfort level. The highest force grip was achieved at Hand direction angles above 90 degrees.Maximum force grip was achieved at Hand angle 135 degrees and Hand-shoulder distance of 100 arm-reach (43.1 kg force). Also, the most discomfort was found at 45 degrees Hand direction and Hand-shoulder distance 50 of arm-reach (58.8 kg force).Discomfort level and Hand direction angle affect maximum force grip, and unless these ergonomic factors are taken into account in designing Hand tools and controls, consequences such as increased accidents, fatigue, and musculoskeletal problems will inevitably follow.

Background & Aims: grip strength plays a fundamental role in many daily activities of upper extremities. Reduced grip strength is common in patients with some musculoskeletal disorders in upper extremities. Kinesio taping of the forearm area might help to facilitate muscle contraction through stimulating the skin mechanoreceptors and consequently increasing sensory feedbacks around the taped area. This study aimed to find the best place and time for kinesio taping of the forearm in increasing Hand grip strength.Methods: Using a simple non-randomized sampling method, 40 healthy subjects (20 males and 20 females) were recruited in this interventional study. First, the flexor, extensor and flexor/extensor muscle groups of the forearm were taped with a 50% stretched and I-shaped technique. A grip-meter device (MIE, UK) was used to measure the grip strength every half an hour during 2 hours and then the tape was removed from the skin. Changes of the Hand grip strength before and after the taping were recorded and analyzed using Repeated Measure and One-Way ANOVA.Results: Mean age of participants was 22.3±2 years. Hand grip strength of males increased from 38.33±6.5 to 42.4±7.3 kg (P<0.05) and in females it increased from 19.3±4.5 to 23.5±4.3 kg (P<0.05). In addition, taping on the extensor region increased Hand grip strength more than when it was used on the flexor or flexor/extensor regions (P<0.05). Furthermore, male subjects reached to the maximum Hand grip strength (10.8% increase in force) in half an hour after taping while females reached to this point (23.9% increase in force) 1.5 hour after taping.Conclusion: Kinesio taping technique seemed to be effective in increasing Hand grip strength of healthy individuals and the best region for tape application is the extensor region of the forearm. Although in females increase of Hand grip strength occurs later than males, the rate of this increase is higher.