As Taiwan enters a super-aged era, understanding the physiological determinants of hand function is essential for promoting independence and quality of life in older adults. This study examined the effects of sex, age group (<70 vs. ≥70 years), and testing posture on grip strength, pinch strength, and wrist range of motion (ROM), and explored their associations with segmental body composition. One hundred right-handed, community-dwelling older adults (50 males, 50 females) underwent standardized assessments. Grip strength was significantly affected by sex and age (both p < 0.001), with males outperforming females across all postures and a marked age-related decline observed in women aged ≥70. Testing posture did not significantly influence grip strength. Pinch strength differed by pinch type (p < 0.001), with lateral pinch producing the highest values; a significant sex × pinch type interaction (p < 0.001) showed the greatest male–female disparity in lateral pinch. Wrist ROM was generally preserved, although a modest sex × age interaction for radial deviation (p < 0.01) was found. Skeletal muscle mass strongly predicted grip strength (R2 = 0.525–0.550), while trunk and upper-limb muscle mass differentially predicted pinch strength (R2 = 0.330–0.557). These findings emphasize the need for age- and sex-specific ergonomic standards and muscle-targeted interventions in aging populations.
Relevance to industry
This study offers ergonomic insights for designing tools, interfaces, and rehabilitation programs suited to aging populations. By identifying sex-specific strength differences and muscle based hand function predictors, it supports the development of age-appropriate, task-specific interventions to maintain functional capacity and promote independence among older adults in daily life.
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