One-handed standing pull strength in different postures: normative data

Although one-handed pulling is commonly used in many tasks, normative data on the populational strength capacity are scarce. A strength test protocol was administered to collect data on static one-handed pulling strength using four handle heights and three pulling directions: across (handle opposite to the pulling hand), front, and side (handle on the same side of the pulling hand). Eighty-six participants (46 men and 40 women) in five age groups completed the protocol. The results showed that pulling from the side of the body resulted in the greatest strength, followed by front and across pulls. As the handle height increased from 61 cm above the floor, to above the shoulder, the pulling strength decreased. This dataset provides occupational safety and ergonomics professionals gender specific normative data on one-handed pull strength capacity in different age groups.