G. Hatch, M. Pink, K. Mohr, P. Sethi and F. Jobe
Incorrect grip size is often cited as a risk factor for overuse injuries around the forearm and elbow. The aim of this study was to examine whether a change in grip size of 1/4 inch would have a significant effect on the firing patterns of the muscles of the forearm. The design was a controlled laboratory study using 16 subjects all asymptomatic and high level racket sport players. Subjects performed single-handed back hand stroke with 3 different grip sizes (recommended size, 1/4 inch larger, 1/4 inch smaller). Fine wire EMG was used to measure the activity in extensor carpi radialis longus and brevis, extensore digitorum communis, flexor carpi radialis and pronator teres. Repeated-measure analysis of variance was used for with-in group comparisons. The results showed no significant differences between the 3 different grip sizes. The authors concluded that 1/4 inch differences in grip size did not significantly affect firing patterns.
The American Journal of Sports Medicine(2006), 34, 1977-1983