Force Perception Across Dominant and Non-Dominant Hands in Healthy Individuals: A Gender-Based Analysis

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Human Physiology
• Biomechanics

Background:

• Force perception (FP) is a crucial aspect of proprioception, yet it is less studied than joint position sense or kinesthesia.
• Muscle mechanoreceptors significantly influence FP, highlighting the importance of understanding grip strength's role.
• Limited research exists on the specific impact of gender and maximal grip strength (MGS) on FP.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the influence of gender on force perception.
• To examine the relationship between maximal grip strength (MGS) and force reproduction accuracy.
• To understand how these factors interact in modulating sensory feedback.

Main Methods:

• Maximal grip strength (MGS) was measured using a dynamometer for both dominant and non-dominant hands.
• Force perception was assessed by having participants reproduce learned grip forces at 25% and 50% of their MGS without visual feedback.
• Absolute Error (AE) was calculated as the difference between target and reproduced force values.

Main Results:

• A significant difference in AE was found between males and females at 25% MGS, indicating a gender-specific effect at lower force levels.
• Maximal grip strength (MGS) showed a correlation with force perception errors, with higher grip strength linked to greater inaccuracies.
• Overall, gender and hand dominance did not significantly impact FP, with the exception noted at the 25% MGS level.

Conclusions:

• Force perception is influenced by maximal grip strength, with higher strength potentially leading to reduced accuracy.
• While gender showed a minor effect at lower force levels, it was not a primary determinant of force perception overall.
• These findings can inform healthcare professionals in developing targeted interventions for sensory-motor deficits in rehabilitation and prevention.