How to use hand dynamometers

Hand dynamometers are unique therapeutic instruments used to evaluate and measure the most extreme isometric qualities of your hand and forearm muscles. Research has shown that grip strength can be related to and predictive of other health conditions.

It is important to measure grip strength as it can be an indicator of bone mineral density or osteoporosis, frailty and disability. For example, people with lower muscle mass will have low grip strength. The hand dynamometer can be adjusted for hand size and must be calibrated regularly for consistent results. Also, having clear protocols regarding technique in the administration of the test will also ensure reliability.

How to use the hand dynamometer

Using the hand dynamometer is quite simple. Hold the dynamometer in the hand being tested, with the arm at a right angle to the body. Make sure that the base rests on the first metacarpal (heel of the palm), while the handle rests on the middle of the four fingers. Then squeeze the hand dynamometer with maximum isometric effort for at least 5 seconds. Do not move any other part of the body.

Read the maximum handgrip strength value and write this down (1 kilo accuracy). Take a 30 second rest period between every measurement. In clinical settings it is advisable to measure both hands initially.

Depending on the position of the arm and hand, different results can be achieved. Other positions include having the arm hanging by the side or extending the arm above the head then out to the side while squeezing.

It is important to perform at least 2 measurements per hand, but 3 measurements are preferred. The duration of this test is approximately 5 minutes.

References

1. Hui Lin Ong et al.2016. Hand-grip strength among older adults in Singapore: a comparison with international norms and associative factor.
2. Richard W. Bohannon. Muscle strength: clinical and prognostic value of hand-grip dynamometry -2015 Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc.