Hand Dynamometer
(Order Code HD-BTA)
The Hand Dynamometer can be used to measure
grip strength or pinch strength and to perform
muscle fatigue studies. Using the appropriate data-
collection hardware and software, you can graph,
record, calculate, and compare hand grip muscle fatigue rates. This sensor can be
used alone or in combination with other sensors (e.g., EKG Sensor) for studies of To assess pinch strength, hold the sensor in one hand by the case avoiding contact
muscular health and activity. with the pads. Using your thumb and forefinger of the opposite hand, place each
on the opposing pinch pads and squeeze.
Note: Vernier products are designed for educational use. Our products are not
designed nor are they recommended for any industrial, medical, or commercial
process such as life support, patient diagnosis, control of a manufacturing
process, or industrial testing of any kind.
What's Included
l Hand Dynamometer
Compatible Software and Interfaces
See [Link]/manuals/hd-bta for a list of interfaces and software
Potential Uses for this Sensor
compatible with the Hand Dynamometer.
The following is a list of activities and experiments that can be performed using
Getting Started this sensor.
1. Connect the sensor to the interface (LabQuest Mini, LabQuest 3, etc.). l Determine if grip and pinch strength are a function of age.
2. Start the appropriate data-collection software (Vernier Graphical Analysis®, l Compare hand grip strength with pinch strength. Devise and carry out a study
LabQuest® App, or Logger Pro™) if not already running, and choose New to explore if there is a correlation between them.
from File menu. The software will identify the sensor and load a default l Measure muscle fatigue by exerting maximum grip strength and sustained
data-collection setup. You are now ready to collect data. grasp for as long as possible. Determine if muscle fatiguing time is similar for
If you are collecting data using a Chromebook™, mobile device such as iPad® or all participants and if there is variation between age groupings and gender.
Android™ tablet, or a Vernier wireless interface, please see the following link for Predict the results of repeated trials for each member of the group.
up-to-date connection information:
l Measure the effect of squeezing a tennis ball repeatedly on grip strength.
Squeeze the ball tightly each evening fifty times for a month. At the beginning
[Link]/start/hd-bta
of the month, measure and record your basal grip strength; at the end of the
Using the Product month, record your hand grip strength and analyze how these values compare.
Connect the sensor following the steps in the Getting Started section of this user l Determine if there is a correlation between hand size and grip strength.
manual. Consider factors such as wrist and forearm circumference in relation to grip
strength and which muscle complexes are involved in grip strength and pinch
The Hand Dynamometer can be used to measure grip strength or pinch strength. strength.
Grip strength is assessed by holding the sensor in a vertical position with the arm l Measure hand grip strength for dominant and non-dominant hands by gripping
perpendicular to the body and fingers on the pad distal to the longer proximal the dynamometer in a neutral non-supportive posture with the sensor in your
portion to which the palm is pressed. Strength can be measured by applying non-dominant hand. Initiate data collection while holding the sensor with a
pressure for a series of short grasps or over a sustained duration. neutral grip with eyes closed. Explore what accounts for the similarities and
differences.
1
Specifications
Default calibration (N) slope: 176.8325
intercept: –19.5057
Default calibration (kg) slope: 18.0320
intercept: –1.9890
Default calibration (lbs) slope: 39.7536
intercept: –4.3851
12-bit resolution 0.2159 N
Power 7 mA @ 5VDC
Safety range (maximum force without damage to 0 to 850 N
the sensor)
Muscle fatigue Operational range: 0 to 600 N
How the Sensor Works
The Hand Dynamometer is a strain-gauge based isometric force sensor. This
sensor amplifies the force applied converting it into a voltage that is monitored by
the interface and read in the desired units of force. The Hand Dynamometer
reports values in newtons (N), pounds (lb), or kilograms (kg).
Troubleshooting
l If the sensor does not read zero in the orientation in which you are using it,
follow the standard zeroing procedure for the data-collection program you are
using.
l If the default experiment length is too long for your experiment, set the
data-collection parameters in the program you are using.
For additional troubleshooting and FAQs, see [Link]/til/1431
Repair Information
Fatigue over time
If you have watched the related product video(s), followed the troubleshooting
Videos steps, and are still having trouble with your Hand Dynamometer, contact Vernier
View videos related to this product at [Link]/hd-bta Technical Support at support@[Link] or call 888-837-6437. Support
specialists will work with you to determine if the unit needs to be sent in for
Calibration repair. At that time, a Return Merchandise Authorization (RMA) number will be
You should not have to perform a new calibration when using the Hand issued and instructions will be communicated on how to return the unit for repair.
Dynamometer. We have set the sensor to match our stored calibration before
shipping it. You can simply use the appropriate calibration value that is stored in Warranty
the data-collection program. Warranty information for this product can be found on the Support tab at
[Link]/hd-bta
General warranty information can be found at [Link]/warranty
2
Vernier Science Education
13979 SW Millikan Way • Beaverton, OR 97005-2886
Toll Free (888) 837-6437 • (503) 277-2299 • Fax (503) 277-2440
info@[Link] • [Link]
Rev. 2/22/2024
Vernier Graphical Analysis, LabQuest, LabQuest Mini, Logger Pro, and other marks shown are our trademarks or
registered trademarks in the United States.
iPad is a trademark of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries.
All other marks not owned by us that appear herein are the property of their respective owners, who may or may not
be affiliated with, connected to, or sponsored by us.