Citation

Hudgens GA, Fatkin LT, Billingsley PA, Mazurczak J. Hum. Factors 1988; 30(1): 51-60.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1988, Human Factors and Ergonomics Society, Publisher SAGE Publishing)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

3350527

Abstract

This study examines sex differences in the performance of men and women as reflected in hand steadiness. In the 1st experiment 58 men, 19 women taking oral contraceptives, and 48 normally cycling women, aged 18-32, were tested over a period of 8 weeks for their ability to hold a stylus in a series of holes decreasing from 12.5 to 2.5 mm without touching the side of the hole. The normally cycling women proved steadier than the men, but the use of oral contraceptives had a significant detrimental effect on hand steadiness in women. The normally cycling women, however, showed significant performance changes associated with cycle phases. All subjects performed better with their preferred hand. In a 2nd experiment 12 men, 5 women taking oral contraceptives, and 7 normally cycling women were tested with weighted pistols simulating a .45 pistol and a .38 revolver. The 4 weights used were 660, 860, 1060, and 1260 gm. Each weighted handgun was tested in 2 firing positions, supported and unsupported. The hole sizes were 12.5, 6.5, 4.5, 3.5, and 2.5 mm. The normally cycling women made the fewest errors, and the women on oral contraceptives made the most. However, the normally cycling women did significantly worse during the week prior to menses. Contrary to expectations, the steadiness advantage of the normally cycling women did not disappear at heavier pistol weights.

Language: en