Test-Retest Reliability of Handgrip Strength Measurement in Children and Preadolescents
Jakub S Gąsior1, Mariusz Pawłowski2, Piotr J Jeleń3
1Department of Pediatric Cardiology and General Pediatrics, Medical University of Warsaw, 02-091 Warsaw, Poland.
Insights
Handgrip strength (HGS) measurement is reliable in typically developing children aged 7-13. Age impacts test-retest differences, but the Jamar dynamometer provides consistent HGS data for clinical use.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric physical assessment
- Biomechanical measurement reliability
- Developmental kinesiology
Background:
- Handgrip strength (HGS) reliability is established in adults but less understood in pediatric populations.
- Accurate HGS measurement is crucial for assessing muscle function and health in children.
- Previous research has not fully explored factors influencing HGS test-retest reliability in developing individuals.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the test-retest reliability of handgrip strength (HGS) measurement in typically developing children aged 7-13 years.
- To determine if sex, age, or hand dominance affects HGS measurement differences between trials.
- To provide data supporting the use of HGS for clinical and research purposes in pediatrics.
Main Methods:
- A cohort of 338 typically developing children (aged 7-13 years) participated in the study.
- Handgrip strength was measured twice using a Jamar Plus+ digital dynamometer with a one-day interval.
- Standard American Society of Hand Therapists protocols were followed, and relative/absolute reliability statistics were computed.
Main Results:
- The digital handgrip dynamometer demonstrated high reliability in the pediatric cohort.
- Age was found to influence test-retest differences, with younger children showing greater variability.
- Intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC) were high (0.95-0.98), indicating good consistency.
Conclusions:
- The Jamar digital handgrip dynamometer is a reliable tool for measuring HGS in children aged 7-13 years.
- The findings support the use of HGS measurements for tracking changes and determining minimal clinical effects in pediatric populations.
- Clinicians and researchers can confidently use this protocol for reliable HGS assessments in typically developing children.
Abstract:
The reliability of handgrip strength (HGS) measurement has been confirmed in adults but has been sparsely addressed in pediatric populations. The aims of this study are twofold: to determine whether sex, age and/or hand-dominance influence the test-retest differences and to establish the reliability level of the HGS measurement in typical developing pediatric participants. A total of 338 participants aged 7-13 years were tested using a digital handgrip strength (HGS) dynamometer (Jamar Plus+ Dynamometer) by the same rater on two testing trials separated by a one-day interval between sessions. The HGS testing was conducted according to the American Society of Hand Therapists recommendations. Relative and absolute reliability statistics were calculated. Age influenced the test-retest difference of the HGS measurement as children compared to preadolescents had lower intraclass correlation coefficients (0.95 vs. 0.98), standard error of measurement (SEM) (0.74 vs. 0.78 kg), smallest detectable difference (SDD) (2.05 vs. 2.16 kg) and higher values of the percentage value of SEM (5.48 vs. 3.44%), normalized SDD (15.52 vs. 9.61%) and a mean difference between the test and retest values (0.50 vs. 0.02 kg) for the dominant hand. The results indicate that the protocol using the Jamar digital handgrip dynamometer is a reliable instrument to measure HGS in participants aged 7-13 years with typical development. Clinicians and researchers therefore can have confidence in determining the minimally clinical effect for HGS.
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