See also

• Grip strength as a protective factor

 

Suggested Grip Strength Testing Protocol

"Based on our findings, we recommend that the following protocol be used in future studies involving frail older adults:

1. The patient should be comfortably seated with the elbows supported at an angle of 90 degrees to the body.
2. Three successive tests should be performed using a Jamar hand dynamometer (handle setting adjusted for the comfort preference of the subject) consisting of a grip duration of 3 seconds with a 1-minute rest in between.
3. Alternating bilateral assessment of hands should be performed with no warm-up tests.
4. Verbal encouragement should not be provided during the assessment of grip strength.
5. The maximum measured grip value for each hand should be used for the assessment of frailty."

Source:

Mehmet H, Yang AWH, Robinson SR. Measurement of hand grip strength in the elderly: A scoping review with recommendations. J Bodyw Mov Ther. 2020 Jan;24(1):235-243. doi: 10.1016/j.jbmt.2019.05.029. Epub 2019 May 24. PMID: 31987550.

 

Reference data

Tables

Mean with confidence intervals

Mean and percentiles

 

Source:

Wang YC, Bohannon RW, Li X, Sindhu B, Kapellusch J. Hand-Grip Strength: Normative Reference Values and Equations for Individuals 18 to 85 Years of Age Residing in the United States. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther. 2018 Sep;48(9):685-693. doi: 10.2519/jospt.2018.7851. Epub 2018 May 23. PMID: 29792107.

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The Compendium platform was created by David Kwinter, MD, CCFP(EM).

Dr. Kwinter is a Cayman Family Doctor. He runs a Family Medicine Clinic at Cayman Medical in George Town, Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands.