Grip strength in healthy caucasian adults: reference values

Area of Science:

• Physiology
• Anthropometry
• Biostatistics

Background:

• Establishing accurate reference data for handgrip strength is crucial for clinical assessments and performance evaluations.
• Previous reference data may not encompass the wide age and gender spectrum of current populations.
• Understanding factors influencing handgrip strength is essential for interpreting individual results.

Purpose of the Study:

• To update reference data for handgrip strength in healthy adults across a broad age range (20-95 years).
• To identify and analyze anthropometric and demographic factors influencing handgrip strength.
• To develop prediction equations for estimating handgrip strength.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional study involving 769 healthy adults (403 women, 366 men).
• Standardized measurement of handgrip strength using a digital hydraulic dynamometer.
• Analysis of correlations between grip strength and anthropometric variables (e.g., forearm circumference, hand size, body mass), gender, and age.

Main Results:

• Mean handgrip strength was significantly lower in women (approx. 27-29 kg) compared to men (approx. 47-49 kg).
• Hand strength peaked around age 35 and declined thereafter, with comparable development in both genders.
• Forearm circumference, hand size, and body mass positively correlated with grip strength; gender and age were the strongest predictors.

Conclusions:

• Gender- and age-adjusted reference values are recommended for accurate interpretation of handgrip strength.
• Anthropometric characteristics should be considered alongside grip strength measurements.
• Generated regression equations can enhance the accuracy of strength predictions in clinical settings and software applications.