Effect of forearm position on pinch strength measurements

Fifty college women participated in a study to investigate the effect of forearm position on pinch strength measurements. Standard instructions and positioning were followed for each of the forearm test positions, neutral and fully pronated. Key and palmar pinch were measured using both positions. Results showed that key pinch was significantly stronger in the neutral position. In contrast there was no significant difference between the two forearm positions for palmar pinch, but results were complicated by the inability to control wrist extension position. This study supports the need to use standard positioning when testing key pinch strength.