EFFECTS OF OBJECT CHARACTERISTICS ON FEMALE GRASP PATTERNS

Objective. This study determined which object characteristics had an e ffect on grasp when adult women took a drink from a cup. Method. Thirt y women aged 20 to 45 years (M = 27.6 years) were randomly assigned to a sequence for each of three experiments. The first experiment tested the grasp pattern used for cups of same height and weight but with di fferent-sized handles. The second experiment tested the gasp pattern f or cups of varied height but with same-sized handles and same weight T he third experiment tested the gasp pattern for cups of varied weight but with same-sized handles and same height The grasp patterns were re corded by a videocamera placed across from the subjects. Results. The number of fingers placed through the handle was found to be significan tly greater for the cup with a larger handle than for the cups with th e smaller handles when cup size and weight were held constant chi(2)(2 ) = 49.8, p < .001. No significant difference was found in the number of supporting fingers for varying cup heights or weights. Conclusion. The results support other research that has stated that handle size ac counted for the change in grasp pattern. Because motor performance is affected by the object characteristics as well as personal abilities, adaptation of characteristics, such as handle size, for persons with l imited hand use may provide an environment that evokes more optimal pe rformance.