Measurenlent of Hand Strength in Arthritic Women and Design of Appliance Control Knobs

Development of an inexpensive instrument for measurement of hand strength or force applied in operation of rotary types of equipment controls is described. The instrument was used in measurement of maximum hand strength or force which 50 women with arthritis in their hands exerted in turning three different styles of home equipment control knobs. Findings confirm the fact that less force can be exerted in turning small knobs than larger ones. The findings have implications for equipment control design and independent functioning of people with weak or impaired hands, including the growing over‐60 age population group.