Abstract
M. Tech.
The aim of this study was to determine whether using the Powerball™ as a form
of resistance training for the hand and wrist, had the effect of increasing grip
strength.
In the study there were 20 male and 20 female participants. The participants had
to be between the ages of 20 and 30 years to participate in the study. There was
a Wrist and Hand Regional performed on all the participants to ensure there were
no wrist or hand pathologies which would exclude them from the study.
Participants trained with the Powerball™ three times a week for four weeks.
Each training session with the Powerball™ lasted five minutes for each hand and
was done under the supervision of the researcher.
Grip strength measurements were taken with the Jamar grip strength
dynamometer. Grip strength readings were taken prior to the 1st training session
with the Powerball™ while a further two readings were taken prior to the 7th
training session and after the 12th training session with the Powerball™.
The results for the 40 participants showed a grip strength improvement of 4.77kg
for the right hand and 4.03kg for the left hand. The 20 male participants had a
grip strength improvement of 4.85kg for the right hand and 4.55kg for the left
hand while the 20 female participants improved by 4.68kg for the right hand and
3.5kg for the left hand overall.
It was concluded that participants using the Powerball™ showed an overall
increase in grip strength and that it may have possible benefits as a
strengthening and rehabilitative tool for the wrist and hand.