Isometric handgrip strength of agricultural workers from northeast region of India

Abstract

Handgrip strength is considered as one of the most important factors for performing various agricultural tasks related to torqueing, lifting, pulling, pushing, etc. Hand tools and equipment which are designed based on anthropometric/strength data of different population, may not be suitable for any particular targeted user group. As a result work related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) at upper extremity may occur very often. Lack of strength data of Assamese population (people of Assam, a state in northeast India), motivated present authors to conduct a survey on isometric handgrip strength data of 200 agricultural workers (130 male and 70 female, aged 17-62 years) from the Kamrup district of the state. Maximal isometric handgrip strength was determined using a handheld handgrip dynamometer with standard testing position, protocol and instructions. Descriptive statistics such as mean, standard deviation (SD), percentiles etc. were summarized. Results of student’s t-tests showed significant differences (p<0.05) for handgrip strength (in kg) between male and female workers (30.11±7.06 vs. 19.75±5.38 for right hand and 26.59±6.84 vs. 15.96±5.74 for left hand). It was observed that with increasing age, there was significant declining in handgrip strength across age groups (<30 years, 30-40 years and > 40 years). Further, handgrip strength of female was found significantly lower (in general 2/3rd of male) than their male counter parts, confirming the requirement of gender specific tools and equipment design. Collected data is expected to bridge the gap of unavailability of isometric handgrip strength data of Assamese population and would help in agricultural tools/equipment design suitable for the said population.