FORÇA DE PREENSÃO PALMAR E PINÇAS EM INDIVÍDUOS SADIOS ENTRE 6 E 19 ANOS

Objective: This study aimed to determine and compare the values of maximum isometric palmar grip and pinch forces in healthy children between 6 and 19 years old using dynamometry, considering gender, dominance and age. Methods: 199 subjects were evaluated using Jamar® dynamometer to measure palmar grip strength and Preston Pinch Gauge® dynamometer to evaluate pulp to pulp, lateral and three points pinch strength in a standardization testing protocol. The mean of three consecutive grip tests was recorded. Linear regression with mixed effects was used to statistically analyze the differences between data. Results: Mean values found for palmar grip, pulp to pulp, three points and lateral pinch were 24,51kgf, 3,64kgf, 5,37kgf and 6,78kgf, respectively, regardless of the variables. There was statistical difference in all measures by gender and dominance, and the dominant hand and the males had higher grip forces. It was verified that mean values varied with age, with significant difference in most of comparisons between the age groups. Conclusion: We concluded that pinch and palmar grip strength demonstrated significant differences in gender, dominance and in most of age subgroups studied, being important to consider them on dynamometry. This study was relevant as reference of normality of hand strength in children and adolescents.