Provisional norms by age group for Japanese males on the controlled force exertion test using a quasi-random display

摘要

Objectives: This study aimed to examine age group and individual differences in the controlled force exertion test by quasi-random display and to propose a provisional norm in 207 males who were right-handed and aged 15-86 years. Methods: The subjects matched exertion values of their submaximal grip strength to changing demand values, appearing as a quasi-random wave on the display of a personal computer. The quasi-random waveform was changed in π with amplitude and in π/2 with frequency (peak and mean frequency were 0.1 Hz in both waveforms). The subjects performed the controlled force exertion test three times at 1-min intervals (single trials were 40 s) after one practice trial using the dominant hand. The total of the differences (%) between the demand value and the grip exertion value for 25 s was used as an evaluation parameter. Results: The measurements showed a right-skewed distribution, which was normal after logarithmic transformation. Analysis of variance showed significant differences among means of each age group and test performance decreased after 40 years of age. Norms for each age group were established. Conclusions: An individual's controlled force exertion by the provisional norm devised in this study can be properly evaluated. © 2009 Springer-Verlag Italia.