ABSTRACT

There are only a few studies on the establishment of hand torque strength norms of the world populations so far (e.g.; Peebles and Norris, 2003), and factors affecting hand torque strength need further investigations. The findings from the reviewed literature can be summarized as follows:

(i) males are stronger than females; (ii) dominant hand applies greater torque; (iii) strength increases with age throughout child-

hood, peaks in adulthood, and then starts to decrease from age around 50 years and above;

(iv) the hand torque strength is affected by torque direction, hand orientation, surface friction coefficient, handle size and type, grip type, knurling and indentations;

(v) torque strength is also affected by posture: in general, higher torque strengths are exerted in the standing posture compared with the sitting posture. For some studies this difference is insignificant in practical sense;

(vi) for cylindirical handles, maximum torque values are achieved at about 5 cm diameter; below and above this diameter, torque values decrease;

(vii) The effects of handle dimension, shape, surface finish and type of material on hand torque strength are worth to investigate.