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Constraints on grip-selection: minimizing awkwardness
1Auburn University, Department of Health & Human Performance, AL 36849-5323, USA. fischmg@mail.auburn.edu
Perceptual and Motor Skills
|April 8, 1998
Summary
People prefer comfortable hand and arm positions when grasping objects, choosing an overhand grip 78% of the time. This end-state comfort influences grip selection, with women showing a stronger preference for the overhand grip.
Area of Science:
- Motor control
- Human-robot interaction
- Biomechanics
Background:
- Grip selection is crucial for object manipulation.
- End-state comfort, minimizing awkwardness in the final position, influences initial grip choice.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the end-state comfort effect in grip selection.
- To determine if a task designed for equal terminal comfort still elicits grip preference.
Main Methods:
- 206 undergraduates performed a task involving picking up and placing a paper-towel roll.
- Participants could choose between overhand and underhand grips.
- Grip choices were recorded and analyzed.
Main Results:
- A significant preference for the overhand grip was observed (78% of participants).
- Women showed a higher preference for the overhand grip compared to men.
- This preference persisted even when the terminal position was comfortable for either grip.
Conclusions:
- End-state comfort is a significant factor in grip selection.
- Humans may prioritize minimizing initial and terminal awkwardness during manipulation.
- Gender may influence grip preferences related to comfort.