Comparison of hand skill levels and grip strenght in twooccupational groups with different physical workloads

Objective: The aim of this study is to compare the hand skills and grip strength of dentists and bank employees, two occupational groups with different physical workloads. Method: Our cross-sectional study was conducted in Iskenderun Oral and Dental Health Center and Uluçınar Special Education and Rehabilitation (İskenderun / HATAY) Center between June 2019 and November 2019. The study was conducted with 120 individuals between the ages of 25-55, including 60 dentists and 60 bank employees who met the inclusion criteria. Jamar hand dynamometer was used for grip strength, Purdue Pegboard and nine hole peg tests were used for hand skill levels. Tape measure and caliper are used for anthropometric measurements; posture analysis was evaluated with OWAS method. Job stress level questionnaire was applied to all subjects. IBM SPSS Statistics 23 package program was used in the analysis (p <0.05). Results: While there is no significant difference between the grip force of bank employees and dentists, the hand skill levels of bank employees are higher (p <0.05). A significant relation was found between all anthropometric measurement values of the hand and forearm, and grip strength and hand skill levels (p <0.05). Positive direction between body mass index and grip strength; A negative correlation was found with hand skill levels (p <0.05). Gender and grip strength and hand skills have been significantly associated. Age, cigarette addiction, years of work in the profession; There is no significant relationship between grip strength and hand skills. There was a significant relationship between recreational activity and hand skill levels. The average stress level was found to be high in both professions. Conclusion: Different physical workloads have an effect on hand functions Keywords: Different workload, dentist, bank employee, grip strength, manual skills