Exploring Sex Differences and Force Level Effects on Grip Force Perception in Healthy Adults

This study aimed to explore the effect of sex and force level on grip force reproduction in healthy adults by conducting a force reproduction task. Participants (n = 28) were instructed to replicate a range of reference grip force levels (10-130 N in 10 N increments). We found that women (absolute error 16.2 +/- 8.7 N) replicated these force levels more accurately than men (absolute error 23.1 +/- 9.5 N) at higher force levels (90-130 N). Furthermore, the force reproductions were most accurate at the 30-50 N range for men and the 50-60 N range for women. These results may offer significant insights into the higher rates of musculoskeletal disorders among women, enabling researchers and clinicians to design novel interventions and tools that can improve grip force perception and reduce hand injury rates in both men and women.

Automated summary

This study found that women were more accurate than men in grip force reproduction, particularly at higher force levels. The most accurate force reproductions for men were in the 30-50 N range, while for women it was in the 50-60 N range. These results shed light on the higher rates of musculoskeletal disorders among women and provide insights for researchers and clinicians to develop interventions and tools that can improve grip force perception and reduce hand injury rates in both men and women.