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Hand Grip Strength Test Calculator
Purpose:
The purpose of this test is to measure the maximum isometric strength
of the hand and forearm muscles. Hand grip strength is important
for any sport in which the hands are used for catching, throwing
or lifting. Also, as a general rule people with strong hands tend
to be strong elsewhere, so this test is often used as a general
test of strength.
Equipment Required:
Hand grip dynamometer
Procedure:
 The
subject holds the dynamometer in the hand to be tested, with the
arm at right angles and the elbow by the side of the body. The handle
of the dynamometer is adjusted if required - the base should rest
on first metacarpal (heel of palm), while the handle should rest
on middle of four fingers. When ready the subject squeezes the dynamometer
with maximum isometric effort, which is maintained for about 5 seconds.
No other body movement is allowed. The subject should be strongly
encouraged to give a maximum effort. See videos of the Hand grip
Strength Test.
Variations:
The position of the hand can vary in different protocols. Various
positions include the elbow being held at right angles as per the
above procedure, the arm hanging by the side, and the extended arm
being swung from above the head to by the side during the squeezing
motion. The Eurofit Test Manual recommends squeezing for 3 seconds.
The procedure for the Groningen Elderly Tests has the subject hang
their hand by their side, one practice trial, best of three attempts
with 30 seconds rest between.
Scoring:
The best result from several trials for each hand is recorded, with
at least 15 seconds recovery between each effort. The values listed
below (in kilograms) give a guide to expected scores for adults.
These values are the average of the best scores of each hand. Other
protocols will just use the score from the dominant hand, or compare
the left and right hand results. See also examples of some actual
athlete results.
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