Factors That May Influence the Hand Grip Strength in an Adult Healthy Population

Abstract

Objective: Hand strength is an important independent surrogate parameter to assess outcome and risk of morbidity and mortality. This study aimed to determine the influence of cofactors in the grip strength in a sample of the population of our country. Material and Methods: A representative population survey was used as the basis for prediction analyses (n = 296). Intraindividual and interindividual variations of grip strength and their relation to several anthropometric factors were analyzed in a standardized manner for 296 healthy adults (women, n = 140; men, n = 156) aged between 20 and 69 years. We carried in each individual, 5 measurements alternately in each hand, calculating the average value. Cases in which there was a difference of more than 10% of the measurements were excluded. Measurements were done in neutral position of arm, forearm, and wrist with Jamar Hydraulic Hand Dynamometer. We also note the active side, profession, height, weight, and size of the hand. The results were statistically analyzed using SPSS. The sample characterization was performed by frequency analysis. Analysis of variance was used to study the correlation between variables. Results: Mean strength was about 38% less in women (right 26.6 kg; left 25.16 kg) than in men (right 43.13 kg; left 40.65kg). Grip strength peaks at 40 to 49 years of age with an important difference between those with less then 50 years and with more then 50 years old. Anthropometric variables such as hand size or sex showed a positive correlation with grip strength. Body mass index and type of work showed only a partial positive correlation or no correlation with grip strength. Conclusion: Easy-to-measure cofactors such as sex, age, and hand size have a high accurate prediction of normative pinch strength. Body mass index and type of work did not demonstrate significant predictive value. We recommend side adjustment of measured values for intraindividual comparison and inclusion of information regarding anthropometric characteristics, as well as using gender and age-adjusted reference values.