[Grip strength measurement : Significance and boundaries]

Area of Science:

• Orthopedics
• Epidemiology
• Gerontology

Background:

• Grip strength measurement is vital in hand surgery for diagnosis and treatment assessment.
• It serves as a key indicator in epidemiological studies for healthy aging and disease progression.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present the historical development of dynamometry and measurement technology.
• To highlight factors influencing grip strength measurement interpretation.
• To propose methods for assessing voluntarily submaximal grip strength.

Main Methods:

• Review of historical dynamometry development.
• Analysis of factors affecting grip strength measurements.
• Examination of standard values across different populations.

Main Results:

• Grip strength values have changed significantly over recent decades.
• Current tables are essential for accurate comparisons with standard values.
• Assessment of submaximal grip strength presents ongoing challenges.

Conclusions:

• Accurate grip strength assessment requires awareness of historical context and technological advancements.
• Updated reference values are crucial for reliable clinical interpretation.
• Further research is needed to standardize the assessment of submaximal grip strength.