[Measuring the handgrip strength of geriatric patients]

The handgrip strength of geriatric patients can be measured when the patient is hospitalized. This article elaborates on the intrinsic and extrinsic factors which have a direct or indirect influence on handgrip strength. For the best results the tests need to be taken in the best circumstances with attention to individual differences and the age of the patient. Handgrip strength as determination of biological vitality is a key concept. Besides the physical characteristics there are many psychological factors (cognition, psyching-up, test attitude…) influencing the results. These are barely mentioned or not mentioned at all in the usual procedures. Research of handgrip strength testing theories is mostly focused on young, healthy adults and less on elderly patients. The main goal of this article is stimulating experimental research on the measurement of handgrip strength with elderly people and involving them more actively with the procedure. It is not enough to acquire insight in function and predicting characteristics of handgrip strength. Next to the aiming for the best test performance is 'working interactively with elderly patients' a goal on itself in the modern vision of health care.