The Characteristics and Laterality of Explosive Force Exertion of Hand Grip and Toe Grip

Abstract

This study examines the force exertion characteristics and laterality of maximal explosive force exertion of hand grip and toe grip. Fifteen male subjects, aged 19 to 23 years, performed maximal explosive hand grip and toe grip exertions with their dominant and non-dominant sides. Maximal force value and integral force for 2 sec in the hand grip exertions were significantly larger than those in the toe grip exertions in both the dominant and non-dominant sides. The time required to achieve 90% maximal force value in the hand grip exertions was significantly shorter than that in the toe grip exertions in both sides. Correlations between the dominant and non-dominant sides were significant (r = 0.710 -0.889) in maximal force value and integral force for 2 sec during the hand and toe grip exertions, but they were not significant (hand grip: r = 0.242, toe grip: r = 0.032) with respect to the time taken to achieve 90% maximal force value. In conclusion, a force exertion value increases more quickly in an explosive hand grip than that in an explosive toe grip. The laterality may relate to time parameters in both explosive force exertions, but not to ones related to force.

An Attempt to Identify Meaningful Descriptors of Handgrip Strength Using a Novel Prototype: Preliminary Study

“…Other studies consider parameters defined from the force-time profile such as "time to peak force" [14], the time to reach distinct levels of peak force such as 50%, 70% or 90% [15,16]. The time required to decrease from the peak force to 80%, 70% and 60% of peak force is a parameter reported in [17].…”

“…The area under the force-time curve from onset of exertion to a given test time is studied in [14,15] and has been also related to disabilities in rheumatoid hands [18]. There is no common reference test time, as in these research works the test time considered ranges from two seconds [19], to five seconds [14], seven seconds [20], fifteen seconds [21] and up to sixty seconds [18]. Once again, a huge diversity of parameters is found, all related to the development of force during the test time as well as protocols (when referred) and adapted devices.…”