title: Normative data on functional grip strength of elderly in Singapore.
abstract: METHODS
  Cross-sectional study for clinical measurement.
  
  
  BACKGROUND
  Most daily tasks require individuals to exert grip strength with torque, which can be challenging for elderly as their strength diminishes with age. We postulate that to assess the functional capacity of an individual, it is important to evaluate the functional grip strength instead of the maximal static grip strength.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  The objective of this cross-sectional study is to establish normative data for the functional grip strength of elderly aged 60 years and older in the Singapore population.
  
  
  METHODS
  In this study, 233 healthy subjects aged 60 years and older were recruited. Using a custom-made hand strength measurement device, the following measurements were recorded: grip strength at neutral position, grip strength with resistive pronation torque, and grip strength with resistive supination torque.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Grip strengths measured for both genders decreased by 13% and 16% for males and females respectively, when pronation torque was exerted, and with supination torque, the strength decreased by 18% and 17% for males and females respectively.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Normative data for the elderly population in Singapore had been established. The findings from this study can complement the existing ergonomic hand data in designing better assistive tools to improve the independent living of elderly.
  
  
  METHODS
  NA.
authors.affiliation: Biomechanics Laboratory, Singapore General Hospital, Singapore, Singapore.
authors.forename: Ita Suzana
authors.initials: IS
authors.lastname: Mat Jais
authors.affiliation: Biomechanics Laboratory, Singapore General Hospital, Singapore, Singapore.
authors.forename: Kai Li
authors.initials: KL
authors.lastname: Chan
authors.affiliation: Biomechanics Laboratory, Singapore General Hospital, Singapore, Singapore.
authors.forename: Mun Kitt Austin
authors.initials: MKA
authors.lastname: Loke
authors.affiliation: Biomechanics Laboratory, Singapore General Hospital, Singapore, Singapore.
authors.forename: Saleem
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Abdul Rahim
authors.affiliation: Biomechanics Laboratory, Singapore General Hospital, Singapore, Singapore; Department of Hand Surgery, Singapore General Hospital, Singapore, Singapore. Electronic address: tay.shian.chao@sgh.com.sg.
authors.forename: Shian Chao
authors.initials: SC
authors.lastname: Tay
mesh_terms: D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D044466:Asian People; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D018737:Hand Strength / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011403:Pronation / Q000502:physiology; D012016:Reference Values; D012846:Singapore; D013484:Supination / Q000502:physiology
keywords: Activities of daily living; Elderly; Function; Grip strength; Torque; Wrist