Arch Hand Microsurg.  2025 Mar;30(1):36-42. 10.12790/ahm.24.0054.

Normative forearm torque data: a cross-sectional study on the Korean population

• Min KT
• Kim H

• KMID: 2565466
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.12790/ahm.24.0054

Abstract

Purpose
Establishing normative values for forearm rotational torque is essential for assessing upper limb function and guiding therapeutic interventions. Previous studies have focused on Western populations, leaving a gap in data for Asian populations, which may exhibit different muscle strength characteristics. This study aimed to measure forearm rotational torque in healthy Korean adults to establish normative values based on age, sex, and hand dominance.
Methods
In total, 500 healthy Korean adults (217 males and 283 females), aged 20 to 69 years, were recruited and divided into decade-based age groups. Exclusion criteria included prior treatment for upper limb trauma or neurological damage. Using a digital torque gauge with a T-shaped handle, pronation and supination torques were measured in a standardized neutral position for both hands (dominant and nondominant). Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS 26.0, with significance set at p<0.05.
Results
The average pronation torque of the dominant hand was 33.00±11.57 kgf•cm (3.36±1.18 N•m), and the supination torque was 32.38±12.01 kgf•cm (3.30±1.22 N•m). The difference was not statistically significant (p>0.05). The dominant hand exhibited significantly higher torque values than the nondominant hand in both pronation and supination (p<0.05). Males demonstrated higher torque values than females across all age groups (p<0.05). The highest average torque values were observed in individuals aged 30 to 39 years.
Conclusion
This study provides normative data for forearm rotational torque in healthy Korean adults, highlighting that the dominant hand exerts significantly more torque.

Keyword

Forearm torque; Forearm rotation; Pronator

Figure

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  Fig. 1. (A) The 7-cm T-shape handle. (B) Torque gauge. (C) The apparatus featuring a combination of a T-shaped handle and a torque gauge.

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  Fig. 2. Forearm torque measurement with the torque gauge, with the participant in the seated position.

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  Fig. 3. Comparison of torque between the dominant and nondominant hands.

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  Fig. 4. Sex differences in the dominant hand.

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  Fig. 5. Sex differences across age groups in the dominant hand.

Reference

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