Wrist ulnar/radial torque strength measurements among Iranian population: The effects of age, gender, Body Mass Index and hand dominance.

BACKGROUND Data on the physical strength capabilities of users are essential for designing the safe and usable products. OBJECTIVE The aims of this study were to characterise the wrist ulnar/radial (U/R) torque strength and individual strength differences among Iranian population. METHODS The study was conducted among 769 (391 males, 378 females) participants aged 5-74 years in the northwest of Iran. Measurements were carried out with both dominant and non-dominant hands using a digital angle torque adaptor installed in a jar-shaped measuring unit. RESULTS The results indicated that the mean wrist U/R torque strength exertion by females was 75% of that exerted by males. Strength exertion with the non-dominant hand was 8% lower than strength exertion of the dominant hand. A significant positive association was also found between the wrist U/R torque strength and body mass index. CONCLUSIONS This additional information on the wrist torque strength can fill the gap in the strength data for Iranian population, or used by health and safety practitioners in the field.

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