[Measuring grip strength of the hand with a sensor glove by gripping with submaximal and maximal strength]

Grip strength measurements with the aid of dynamometers are dependent on the cooperation and motivation of the individual examined. Recognising a simulated loss of grip is a hitherto unresolved problem. With a sensor glove developed at the Berlin University of Technology, the force distribution pattern of any form of grip can be captured via ten pressure sensors and evaluated by computer. In five subjects, the force distribution patterns at submaximum and maximum force of five different grips were determined in three successive measurements each. The data were recorded in force-time diagrams. For each act of grasping, the measurements produced a curve with near-constant measuring signals within a defined period (plateau). The difference in the plateau heights of successive grips and the structures of the individual plateaux (oscillation, standard deviation) were used as distinguishing criteria. The dynamics of the measuring signals showed statistically significant differences between grips with submaximum and maximum force (p < 0.0001).