Objectives: In the dental profession, hands play a fundamental role in performing precise, fine movements and controlling specialized instruments. Hand anthropometric dimensions, grip strength, and manual dexterity are key factors in designing appropriate ergonomic tools. Given the physiological and anatomical differences between the two sexes, this study aimed to investigate sex differences in hand anthropometric dimensions, grip strength, and manual dexterity among dental students.
Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive-analytical study was conducted on 100 dental students (51 females and 49 males) at Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran. Hand anthropometric dimensions were measured using a digital caliper, maximum grip strength was assessed using a Jamar dynamometer, pinch grip strength was measured using a SAEHAN pinch gauge, and manual dexterity was evaluated using the Roeder test. Data were analyzed using SPSS software 24 and the independent t-test.
Results: The mean height and weight of male participants were 177.6 ± 4.52 cm and 77.8 ± 10.92 kg, respectively, while those of female participants were 162.5 ± 5.32 cm and 63.1 ± 8.12 kg, respectively. Most hand anthropometric dimensions (finger length, width, and circumference) were significantly greater in males than in females (P < 0.001). The mean maximum grip strength was 45.2 ± 8.3 kg in males and 26.8 ± 6.1 kg in females (P < 0.001). Significant differences were also observed between the two types of pinch grip strength (P < 0.01). Although the mean manual dexterity score was slightly higher in females (23.4 ± 3.2) than in males (22.6 ± 3.8), this difference was not significant (P > 0.05).
Conclusion: The findings demonstrated significant sex differences in hand anthropometric dimensions and grip strength; however, no significant difference was observed in manual dexterity between the two sexs. These results emphasize the need to design dental instruments tailored to the anthropometric characteristics of each sex to reduce the risk of musculoskeletal disorders.
