Abstract
Eight operators (four males and four females) were tested for maximum exertable manual forces (MFs) and six male operators for the variations of consecutive manual forces (CFs) of 2 kgf during 3 minutes without monitoring them. Both forces were exerted on the simulation model with bilateral hands in six different postures of prosthetic practices.
The results were as follows:
1. Significant differences on MFs were found between sexes (p<0.05), between sides (p<0.005) and between postures (p<0.001).
2. Significant factors on CFs were side (p<0.005), posture (p<0.001), time (p<0.001) and the side×time interaction (p<0.025).
3. These findings indicated that the optimum posture for force application on maxilla was seating behind the model with index and middle fingers, and the one on mandible was standing in front of the model and on the right side with thumb fingers.
