ANALYSIS OF ELEMENTS FROM THE MEASUREMENT OF HAND CRIP STRENGTH WITH DYNAMOMETER JAMAR IN POPULATION OF N.W. GREECE

Abstract

Aim: The primary purpose of this study was to establish data concerning normal hand grip strength in the population of N.W Greece.

Material and Methods: The Jamar dynamometer was used to measure grip strength. A sample of 115 males and 117 females, with no extremity disability or injury, aged 21 to 58 years, from the Ioannina area was tested. The dynamometer was tested in a standing position, with shoulder adducted and neutrally rotated, elbow flexed at 90 degrees and forearm and wrist in neutral position. Each participant was asked to grip first with the right and then with the left hand three consecutive times. The highest grip strength for each hand was used for analysis. All complementary factors such as age, sex, height, weight, hand dominance for writing and exercise and living habits were recorded.

Results: Grip strength diminishes curvilinearly with age, and men are consistently stronger than women. Mean maximum grip for women was 67 pounds and for men was 123 pounds. The hand dominance does not significantly affect hand strength scores. The mean grip strength of the left hand was about 90% that of the right hand. In left-handed participants, mean grip was the same for both hands. The results from this study showed that sex is the most important determinant of hand grip strength.

Conclusions: The random sample, the high participation rate of this study and the number of the factors that affect the hand strength give the highest validity in this study. These data suggest a basis to help hand surgeons as a guide regarding grip strength in the treatment of upper extremity pathologic conditions and postoperative evaluation.