Handgrip dynamometry in healthy adults.
OBJECTIVE
To establish normal reference values for handgrip strength in healthy adult subjects using hand dynamometry.


METHODS
Descriptive study of 517 healthy volunteers (267 females and 229 males) aged 17-97 years. Grip strength was measured using two different handgrip dynamometers. Three consecutive measurements were made in both the dominant and the non-dominant hands. The results were analysed after stratification by age, gender, weight, height and dominant/non-dominant hand.


RESULTS
The handgrip strength depends on gender (non-dominant hand: 22.8 +/-7.2 kg in females and 35.1 +/- 12.4 kg in males (mean +/- standard deviation); "t" test P<0.0001) and is negatively correlated with, age (females r = -0.60, males r = -0.67, P<0.01) and positively with height (females r = -0.48, P<0.01, males r = -0.60, P<0.01).


CONCLUSIONS
Normal reference values for handgrip strength should be established and stratified according to age and gender. The variations associated with height do not warrant adjustments in relation to this variable.
Luna-Heredia
Esther
E
Department of Internal Medicine, Móstoles Hospital, Calle Río Júcar, s.n., E-28935 Móstoles, Madrid, Spain.
Martín-Peña
Gonzalo
G
Ruiz-Galiana
Julián
J
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001827:Body Height / Q000502:physiology; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D006225:Hand / Q000502:physiology*; D018737:Hand Strength / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012016:Reference Values; D012737:Sex Factors