DR-19 Power Grip Forces for Wheeled Mobility Users

Abstract: The design of hand-operated products and environmental features should apply an understanding of the grip strength capacity of the broadest range of potential users, including individuals with disabilities. A commonly used grip posture is the power grip, wherein the handle is perpendicular to the forearm, and the handle is squeezed by the partially flexed fingers and the palm while the thumb applies counter pressure. Measurements of power grip strength also serve as a clinical tool for assessing the upper extremity function of individuals by comparing with normative data.