title: Identification of dynapenia in older adults through the use of grip strength t-scores.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The aim of this study was to generate reference values and t-scores (1.0-2.5 standard deviations below average) for grip strength for healthy young adults and to examine the utility of t-scores from this group for the identification of dynapenia in older adults.
  
  
  METHODS
  Our investigation was a population-based, general community secondary analysis of cross-sectional grip strength data utilizing the NIH Toolbox Assessment norming sample. Participants consisted of community-dwelling adults, with age ranges of 20-40 years (n = 558) and 60-85 years (n = 390). The main outcome measure was grip strength using a Jamar plus dynamometer.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Maximum grip strengths were consistent over the 20-40-year age group [men 108.0 (SD 22.6) pounds, women 65.8 (SD 14.6) pounds]. Comparison of older group grip strengths to those of the younger reference group revealed (depending on age strata) that 46.2-87.1% of older men and 50.0-82.4% of older women could be designated as dynapenic on the basis of t-scores.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The use of reference value t-scores from younger adults is a promising method for determining dynapenia in older adults.
authors.affiliation: Physical Therapy Program, Department of Kinesiology, Neag School of Education, University of Connecticut, 358 Mansfield, U-2101, Storrs, Connecticut, 06269-2101, USA.
authors.forename: Richard W
authors.initials: RW
authors.lastname: Bohannon
authors.forename: Susan
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Magasi
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000375:Aging; D005260:Female; D018737:Hand Strength / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D053581:Muscle Strength Dynamometer; D018908:Muscle Weakness / Q000175:diagnosis*; D012737:Sex Factors; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: age; hand grip dynamometer; hand strength; measurement; muscle weakness
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