Metacarpophalangeal flexion forces with respect to age, sex, and exercise habits

Individual finger strengths in digits II-V were examined in terms of metacarpophalangeal (MP) joint flexion forces among a group of 22 senior citizens. Data were collected using a finger force transducer, with each digit splinted so as to allow flexion solely at the MP joint. Findings were evaluated in light of the self-reported exercise habits of the subjects and in comparison with similar data reported in a previous study conducted with college athletes. Patterns of finger strength among the digits and between the sexes were identical for most parameters investigated among the senior citizens as compared to the college athletes. Mean finger strength levels for male and female senior citizens were 10.0% and 10.5% less, respectively, than those of the college athletes of each sex. Correlations between individual estimates of hours spent per week engaged in activity requiring extensive hand utilization and mean finger strength for each subject were r = 0.14 and r = 0.46 for male and female subjects, respectively.