Evaluation of Load Distributions and Contact Areas in 4 Common Grip Types Used in Daily Living Activities

Purpose Grip analysis systems, with sensors quantifying load distributions and contact areas applied by the hand while grasping objects, are useful for collecting and recording instant data; these systems are popular in hand assessment. The purpose of this study was to determine the load distribution (LD) and contact area (CA) size of the palmar surface of the hand during 4 common grip types used in activities of daily living (standard, lateral, pinch, and tripod grips). Methods A convenience sample of 80 right-handed subjects were enrolled in this study. Participants wore special gloves equipped with sensors and grasped a variety of objects. Contact area size and LD were determined for the 4 grip types. Results The CA and the LD were different for each grip. For standard grip, although the largest CA occurred at the metacarpophalangeal joint level, the largest LD was over the middle finger pulp. For standard grip, index, middle, and ring fingers appear to be loaded with almost the same frequency as the thumb. Although CA on the thumb was maximum in the pinch, lateral and tripod grip types, the LD on the thumb was not. Conclusions This study shows that the LD and CA patterns differ widely among standard, pinch, lateral, and tripod grips. The percentage of CA occurring on the thumb was maximum in all grip types. Clinical relevance This information is important to optimize the design of artificial manipulators or assistive devices and to optimize the hand rehabilitation process. In addition, results of the study can be used to guide the design of prostheses and biomedical implants better.