Torque Capabilities of the Elderly in Opening Screw Top Containers

This study examines the effects of container lid variables on counter-clockwise (opening) torque on circular lids in the elderly population. Forty-two subjects between the ages of 60–97 performed maximal voluntary wrist-twisting contractions in trying to open circular lid containers which were sealed to prevent opening. Two types of lid surface was investigated (smooth and rough), eacn at 4 different diameters. The results indicated that, for wrist twisting strength, females were about 3/4 as strong as males, strength decreased with age, and torque increased with diameter rapidly at first then more slowly as very large diameters were encountered. At very large diameters the torque on smooth lids actually decreased, implying an optimum diameter for maximal torque generation. Torque was also significantly correlated with certain hand dimensions.