Handgrip dynamometry in healthy adults

Aims: To establish normal reference values for handgrip strength in healthy adult subjects using hand dynamometry. Subjects and 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.