Hand anthropometric dimensions and strengths in workers: A comparison of three occupations

The purpose of this study was to measure and compare the hand anthropometric dimensions and strengths of three different occupations. A cross-sectional study was designed to measure 34 hand dimensions and 4 hand strengths of 558 participants consisted of office workers, vehicle mechanics, and farmers. A digital caliper, a hand dynamometer, and a pinch meter were used to collect data. Percentile values for each measurement were tabulated at the 5th, 50th, and 95th percentile levels. The analysis of variance, t test, and Cohen's d were performed to assess the differences in anthropometric variables between groups of workers. The findings demonstrated statistically significant differences in the mean size and strength of the hands across three occupations. Office workers' hands were significantly smaller than those of car mechanics and farmers, particularly in terms of hand depths and widths. Car mechanics' hand circumferences were bigger than those of farmers. Office workers produced the weakest hand strengths. Wrist breadth of workers showed the highest correlation with hand strengths. Compared to other studies, the hands of Iranian workers were wider and thicker, but the length of their hands was similar. Given the significant variances in hand anthropometry between occupational categories, these differences should be incorporated into the design and selection of hand-related products such as gloves and hand tools for each group of workers.