ABSTRACT
This paper presents an evaluation of torque strength and on the perceptual aspects of the use of faucets. We evaluated 180 subjects (18-29 years old = 30M and 30F; 30-55 years old = 30M and 30F; >55 years old = 30M and 30F). A digital dynamometer, a static torque transducer, five different models of handles (faucets) and other complementary tools were used for data collection. The procedures were standardized, based on ethical recommendations and biomedical criteria. The data analysis was based on descriptive statistics and included the application of tests for verification of significant differences. The results show the male performed torque significantly higher (p≤0.05) than the female subjects and the forces applied by the age group above 55 years old were the lowest (p≤0.05). With the lever-type handle was possible to achieve the highest magnitude of torque to all groups of subjects and these differences were significant (p≤0.05) in all comparisons. The lever-type handle was considered the easiest to use and the spherical handle was the hardest.
