Abstract
BackgroundHand strength is an important independent surrogate parameter to assess outcome and risk of morbidity and mortality. This study aimed to determine the predictive power of cofactors and to predict population-based normative grip and pinch strength.MethodsA representative population survey was used as the basis for prediction analyses (n = 978). Bivariate relationships between grip/pinch strengths of the dominate hand were explored by means of all relevant mathematical functions to maximize prediction. The resulting best functions were combined into a multivariate regression.ResultsPolynoms (up to the third degree) were the best predictive functions. On the bivariate level, height was best correlated to grip (46.2% explained variance) and pinch strength (37.7% explained variance) in a linear relationship, followed by sex, age, weight, and occupational demand on the hand. Multivariate regression provided predicted values close to the empirical ones explaining 76.6% of the variance for grip strength and 67.7% for pinch strength.ConclusionThe five easy-to-measure cofactors sex, age, body height, categorized occupational demand on the hand, and body weight provide a highly accurate prediction of normative grip and pinch strength.
Highlights
Hand strength is an important independent surrogate parameter to assess outcome and risk of morbidity and mortality
Hand strength has been identified as an important factor predicting disability in musculoskeletal diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis [1], and bone mineral density [2,3], and the likelihood of falls and fractures in osteoporosis [4,5]
Numerous publications provide normative data for grip strength and key pinch strength, it would be helpful to predict the expected hand strength values for an individual based on measured factors [19]
Summary
Hand strength is an important independent surrogate parameter to assess outcome and risk of morbidity and mortality. Hand strength has been identified as an important factor predicting disability in musculoskeletal diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis [1], and bone mineral density [2,3], and the likelihood of falls and fractures in osteoporosis [4,5] It even predicts complications and general morbidity after surgical interventions [6], general disability and future outcome in older age [7,8,9], economic consequences of diseases [10] as well as causespecific and overall mortality in elderly people [5,11,12,13]. Numerous publications provide normative data for grip strength and key pinch strength, it would be helpful to predict the expected hand strength values for an individual based on measured factors [19]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
