The Influence of Physical Activity on Hand Dexterity: Lab Report

Abstract

The objective of this experiment was to investigate the impact of physical activity, specifically exercise, on the rate of clothespin squeezes in one minute. We hypothesized that individuals who engage in exercise would achieve a higher number of clothespin squeezes within the given time frame. To test this hypothesis, participants were divided into two groups: one that rested for one minute before the squeezing task and another that exercised for one minute before squeezing the clothespin. Data were collected and analyzed to determine the effects of different levels of activity on performance.

Introduction

The ability to grip and manipulate objects with precision is fundamental to many daily activities, from buttoning a shirt to performing tasks that require fine motor skills. Hand strength and dexterity play a pivotal role in these functions. It is well-established that physical activity and exercise can have a significant impact on muscle strength and endurance throughout the body. However, the specific effects of exercise on hand strength and dexterity, particularly in tasks involving finger manipulation, are less explored.

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This experiment seeks to address this gap by examining how different levels of physical activity, specifically exercise, influence the rate at which individuals can perform clothespin squeezes in a one-minute duration. Clothespin squeezing is chosen as the task because it requires precise finger control and is a simple yet effective way to assess hand dexterity and strength.

Understanding the relationship between exercise and hand strength has practical implications, as it may provide insights into improving hand function in various contexts, such as rehabilitation programs, sports training, and activities of daily living.

By investigating whether exercise can enhance hand strength and dexterity, we aim to contribute to the broader understanding of the benefits of physical activity on human motor skills.

Hypothesis

If a person exercises, then the person will be able to achieve more clothespin squeezes in one minute compared to those who do not exercise.

Materials

• Clothespins
• Timer
• Participants for the tests

Methods

The following procedures were followed to conduct the experiment:

1. Each participant was provided with a clothespin.
2. A demonstration on how to squeeze a clothespin was given to ensure consistency.
3. Resting trials: Participants rested for one minute to establish a baseline.
4. Immediately after the rest period, participants squeezed the clothespin for one minute, and the number of squeezes was recorded.
5. Data were recorded in a table (see Table 1).
6. The resting trials (steps 3-4) were repeated two more times.
7. Exercising trials: Participants engaged in one minute of exercise before squeezing the clothespin for one minute.
8. Data were recorded in a table (see Table 2).
9. The exercising trials (steps 7-8) were repeated two more times.

Variables

Independent Variable: The level of activity (resting or exercising).

Dependent Variable: The number of clothespin squeezes in one minute.

Data Collected

The results of the experiment are presented in Tables 1 and 2 below:

Table 1: Resting Trials

Table 2: Exercising Trials

Discussion and Conclusion

The results of the experiment demonstrate that both exercising and resting have an impact on the number of clothespin squeezes that can be achieved in one minute. The average number of clothespin squeezes after one minute of exercise was 175, while the average for the resting group was 170.7. Thus, exercising before attempting the clothespin squeezing task appears to be the more effective approach.

It is important to note that this experiment should be conducted with additional groups of participants to ensure the accuracy of the data. There may have been instances where participants miscounted or clothespins broke during the trials, which could have affected the results. Running the experiment multiple times would help to account for these potential discrepancies.

Suggestions for Improvement

To improve the experiment's reliability, it is recommended to conduct it with larger sample sizes and multiple groups of participants. This would help reduce the impact of individual variations and enhance the statistical significance of the results. Additionally, ensuring that participants are closely monitored during the trials to prevent miscounts or equipment issues is crucial for obtaining accurate data.

Suggestions for Further Research

Further research could involve tracking the activities participants engage in during their resting periods, such as whether they simply sit, talk to others, or use electronic devices. This additional information could provide insights into how different activities during breaks affect subsequent hand strength and performance in tasks like clothespin squeezing.

Moreover, conducting similar experiments with different age groups would be valuable to assess whether age plays a role in the relationship between exercise and hand strength.