Influence of the age on self regulation of static grip forces from perceived exertion values.

Abstract The investigation of self-regulation of grip force provides indirect cues about the developmental neurobiology of the subject. The aim of this study was to examine the ability of subjects of different ages to produce different forces based on their perceived exertion during a grip force task by using a test and a randomised re-test procedure. Eighteen young children (aged 6.5 years), 18 adolescents (13.5 years) and 18 adults (28.5 years) performed a graded hand grip strength test (GST) at four intensities. Perceived exertion (RPE-C) was recorded at the end of each load level. Then, subjects were scheduled for a randomised grip strength test performed in the same experimental conditions than GST. Statistical analysis revealed no significant effect in grip strength for test in the three groups. However, a significant main effect for intensities was obtained in the three groups ( P r 2 =0.62, P r 2 =0.53, P r 2 =0.51, P