Abstract

ASSESSMENT OF PINCH GRIP STRENGTH AND HAND GRIP STRENGTH IN PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP-ARTISTS

Sidrah Mohd. Jafer Munshi*, Prachi Misa

Abstract

Background: Professional makeup artists perform repetitive and precision-based hand movements for prolonged durations, requiring sustained grip and pinch strength. Continuous use of fine motor skills, static postures, and prolonged tool handling may predispose these professionals to reduced hand strength and work-related musculoskeletal disorders. However, limited literature is available assessing hand grip and pinch grip strength specifically in professional makeup artists. Method: A cross-sectional observational study was conducted among 85 professional makeup artists aged 18–40 years using convenient sampling. Hand grip strength was assessed using a Jamar dynamometer, while tip-to-tip, palmar, and lateral pinch strength were measured using a pinch gauge for both dominant and non-dominant hands. Pain intensity was recorded using the Numerical Pain Rating Scale (NPRS). Descriptive statistics and correlation analysis were performed using Microsoft Excel. Result: The results demonstrated that 100% of participants exhibited poor hand grip strength in both hands. In contrast, pinch grip strength showed higher functional performance, with the majority of participants classified under manual and skilled grades across all pinch types. A significant positive correlation was observed between hand grip strength and tip-to-tip, palmar, and lateral pinch strength on the dominant (right) hand. On the non-dominant (left) hand, significant correlations were noted for tip-to-tip and palmar pinch strength, while lateral pinch strength showed no significant association. Conclusion: Professional makeup artists demonstrate relatively well-developed pinch grip strength due to repetitive fine motor demands of their occupation; however, overall hand grip strength remains poor. This imbalance may increase the risk of fatigue and work-related musculoskeletal disorders. The findings highlight the need for preventive physiotherapy interventions, ergonomic modifications, and targeted hand strengthening programs for this population.

Keywords: Hand grip strength; Pinch grip strength; Professional makeup artists; Fine motor skills; Work-related musculoskeletal disorders; Hand dynamometer.