The Effect of Differing Feedback Conditions on Grip Strength: A Pilot Study

Abstract

The purpose ofthispilot study was to determine the effect offour different types offeedback conditions on the assessment ofgrip strength during maximum voluntary isometric contraction in 20 normalfemale subjects. The four feedback conditionsstudied were: (a) no extrinsic feedback, (b) visual extrinsicfeedback, (c) auditory extrinsic feedback, and (d) combinedauditory and visual extrinsic feedback. Each subject was required to exert maximum hand grip of the right hand by squeezing the handle ofa specially constructed testing device. This task was performed three times in each of the four experimentalconditions. Results indicatedthat the applicationofeither ofthefour feedback conditions did notproduceany significant difference on theperformance measured duringstrength testing. Recommendationsfor further research are discussed.

Handgrip strength testing: A review of the literature

“…Strain gauges commonly measure grip strength in Newtons of force, and include the MIE digital pinch/grip analyser (MIE Medical Research) (Sunderland et al , 1989), the Statham electronic dynamometer (Statham Instrument Inc. Oxnard, CA, USA) (Weiss‐Lambrou & Dutil, 1986), the Isometric Strength Testing Unit (ISTU) hand grip device (Robertson et al , 1993), and a number of other various strain gauges and force monitors, many of which have been made for specific studies (Walker et al , 1978; An et al , 1980; Petrofsky et al , 1980; Gilbert & Knowlton, 1983; McGarvey et al , 1984).…”