Trends in Finger Pinch Strength in Children, Adults, and the Elderly

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Abstract
This study explores empirical relationships among different types of pinches in three age groups. Peak maximum voluntary forces of several pinches-lateral, chuck, and pulp pinches with digits 2, 3, 4, and 5-were tested in 182 subjects comprising 62 children (5-12 years), 70 adults (18-40 years), and 50 elderly (60-89 years). Analysis of the forces indicated four groups of strength magnitude: (1) lateral and chuck, (2) pulp 2 and 3, (3) pulp 4, and (4) pulp 5, in that order; the strength of each type of pinch bears a definite quantitative relationship to every other type, regardless of age group or gender. The female-to-male strength ratio was greatest in children (89%) and least in adults (69%). Comparison with other pinch strength studies established that although force magnitudes may be strongly influenced by specific experimental conditions, empirical relationships among different pinch forces are fairly stable and predictable.

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