Effect of the Sequencing Pattern Through Counterbalancing, Randomization and One-Pattern on Maximal Hand Grip Strength Performance

The protocol in measuring Hand Grip Strength (HGS) is very important to ensure its reliability. However, there is one aspect that was not considered in the protocol nor other studies, the choice of method in dealing with the sequencing of the trials during measurement. Thus, the objectives of this study are: (i) to evaluate the effect of the sequencing pattern of trials (counterbalancing, randomization, and one-pattern) on maximal HGS measurement; and (ii) to evaluate the correlation of the upper arm positions (0°, 45°, 90°, 135°, and 180°) for each sequencing pattern of measurement trials. HGS of 60 Malaysian male participants between 20–27 years of age were measured using Jamar Dynamometer for five different upper arm positions, in which, the maximal data were selected for the analysis. The findings show that the sequencing patterns does not have a significant effect on the maximal hand grip strength for all upper arm positions (0°, 45°, 90°, 135°, and 180°) [0°: F (2,57) = 0.663, p = 0.519; 45°: F (2,57) = 0.229, p = 0.743; 90°: F (2,57) = 1.660, p = 0.199; 135°: F (2,57) = 1.556, p = 0.220; and 180°: F (2,57) = 2.212, p = 0.119]. However, the pattern from the counterbalancing group shows that the more the posture (location of upper arm) is away from the neutral position (upper arm at 0°) the less is the hand grip strength. In addition, counterbalancing method shows the correlation in comparison to other method tested in this study.