Effect of postural conditions on pinch strength and manual dexterity in young adults: a cross-sectional study.

Objectives. This study aimed to investigate pinch strength and manual dexterity in different postures among young adults. Methods. A total of 200 individuals aged 18-45 years participated. Key, tip and palmar pinch strengths were measured on the dominant hand in three different postures - incorrect sitting, correct sitting and standing - using a hydraulic pinch gauge. Manual dexterity was assessed using the nine-hole peg test (NHPT). Results. Key, tip and palmar pinch strengths did not differ significantly across postures (p > 0.05). However, NHPT completion times differed significantly by posture (p < 0.001), with faster performance in the standing posture than in both sitting postures. Women demonstrated lower pinch strength, while men showed poorer manual dexterity performance (p < 0.001). Pinch strengths differed significantly according to sports experience (p < 0.001), whereas NHPT performance was unaffected by these variables (p > 0.05). Conclusions. These findings suggest that for individuals in occupations requiring pinch strength, either a sitting or a standing posture may be functionally appropriate, as no difference in pinch strength was observed between the three postures. They also indicate that the advantage of the standing posture should be considered in manual dexterity evaluations.