Dynamometric Grip Strength Assessment of Subjects Sixty Years and Older

Abstract

Grip strength is important in the performance of nearly all activities of daily living as it allows individuals to maintain fuuctional independence. The purpose of this study was to examine grip strength in individuals 60 years of age and older. Forty-eight healthy subjects (24 men and 24 women) between the ages of 61 and 85 participated in this study. A Jamar Adjustable Handle Dynamometer was used to measure grip strength of the right (dominant) hand and the left (non-dominant) hand while subjects were seated in the recommended test position by the American Society of Hand Therapists. The additional variables of age, height, weight and walking time were analyzed in addition to grip strength. Results showed that the dominant hand of both men and women was statistically significantly stronger than the non-dominant hand. The older elderly had less grip strength than the younger elderly. This study suggests that men lose a greater percentage of grip strength as they age and that the decline in grip strength for both men and women may be greater than previously documented.