Special dynamometry for the
purposes of ergonomics
Bi9100 Ergonomics and applied anthropology
Dynamometry
Measurement of force
Dynamometry
Handgrip strength
 Represents well overal body strength
 Closely related to fitness and health-status
 A lateral characteristic – effect of upper limb
dominance
 Physical load effect
 Closely associated to several somatic and psychosocial
characteristics
 Application in ergonomics – measuring force
necessary to manipulate certain tools; resistance
when opening packages etc.
Handgrip strength
Functional aspects
Testing method - instruments
 Elbow joint flexion/extension?
 Sitting or standing position?
 Non-uniform method
 Conflicting conclusions from
different studies
 Ng, Fan 2000 methodical study –
no significant difference found
for flexed or extended positions
in the elbow joint
 Innes review (manual) –
recommends flexed position
 Hyperflexed elbow position – hgs
pronouncedly lower
 Overall – good reliability in repeat
measurements scenarios
Testing method – position
 Clinical studies – testing optimal positions for
nutritional status assessment in hospitalized patients
 Sitting, reclined, elbows support?
 Better reliability in clinical setting – elbow support
Testing method – position
Testing method –endurance
evaluation; force curve course
HGS – individual fingers
 Predominantly
clinical importance
– testing finger
strength after
surgery or in
neurological
disorder cases
 Inovative design
 Strength testing of
individual fingers or the
whole hand
 Gradually adjustable for
individual fit
Original dynamometer setup -
accessory
 Strength testing in uncommon
settings
 Lower extremity muscle groups
 Extension strength in the knee joing
– a good indicator of functional
fitness in older
people
 Applications in
ergonomics – load
lifting
 Standard limits for
physically demanding
jobs
 Maximum loads
Dynamometry