Hand Dynamometer

I. Objectives:

To measure the maximum isometric strength of the hand and forearm muscles. To measure right hand vs. left hand strength for comparative purposes To know the significance of the handgrip as a worker.

II. Theory and AnalysisMost people's hand-grip strength gradually diminishes as they age. Maintaining decent hand-grip strength levels can enable elderly people to more readily complete daily living tasks and may help them stay alive longer. A 2007 study published in &quote; The American Journal of Medicine" concluded that lower hand-grip strength readings are a reliable predictor of an increased mortality rate. Testing your hand-grip strength can help to monitor this decline and can give an indication of risk.The Hand Dynamometer is used to secure an index of general body strength, also to measure right hand vs. left hand strength for comparative purposes. When combined with other forms of strength measurement it allows a much more precise measurement of body strength.

III. Material Needed:

Hand Dynamometer

IV. Procedures:

1. Before this test is administered, the handle of the dynamometer must be adjusted for the size of each individual subject. The handle should fit comfortably in the hand with enough allowance for a good grip. Record the setting found on the inside gouge if follow-up testing is to occur. (Fig 1)FIGURE 1..

2. Place the subject s arm at their side keeping it away from the body with the elbow bent slightly (approximately 20 degrees). Illustrate the use of the instrument to the subject prior to testing.(Fig 2.)

FIGURE 2.3. The test is to be administered with dominant hand first and then with the non-dominant hand. The examiner should be confident that the subjects maximum grip strength is being measured. Emphasis on squeeze as hard as you possible can and other form of encouragement may be necessary for maximum effect. Allow three trials with each hand, right and left hand alternately, but introduce a brief pause of about 10 to 20 seconds between each trial to avoid excessive fatigue.

4. Record the amount of strength registered at each trial. If the difference between the scores of each within 3 kilograms, (considering the scores of each hand separately) the teast is complete. If a difference of more than 3 kilograms is noted, the test is repeated after a sufficient rest period. Calculate the averages for each hand separately. It is important that the dials be returned to the 0 position after every trial. Readings are taken to the nearest whole kilogram.

Average:

Standard Deviation:

5. Compare your findings with the norms included on Table 1. The dynamometer test scores for males and females have been included on Table 2. All results are in kilograms.

TABLE 1.

Note: The Mean and Standard Deviation for dominant and non-dominant hand are provided by age and gender measured in kilograms.TABLE 2.Normative Data for the Sample Stratified by Age and Sex.Preferred HandNon-preferred Hand

AGENMSDRangeMSDRange

Males

15-171738 *8.4

18-234349.79.7

24-323151.88.1

33-401252.98.3

41-64444.510.9

Females

15-171528.128.1

18-232928.828.8

24-322434.434.4

33-40627.727.7

41-6462828.0

*Kilogram average of 2 trialsV. Analysis

Data.

StudentDynamometer SizePreferred / Dominant HandNon-preferred / Non-dominant Hand

Trial 1Trial 2Trial 3MSDTrial 1Trial 2Trial 3MSD

Male

Female