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Comparison of handgrip strength values in young children when using two different types of dynamometers
Akemi Abe1, Sakiya Yamasaki2, Ryoji Tahara2
1Division of Children's Health and Exercise Research, Institute of Trainology, Sawara, Fukuoka, Fukuoka, Japan.
Insights
Comparing handgrip strength (HGS) devices in children, this study found that even after calibration, Grip-A and modified Grip-D dynamometers showed slight differences. However, the adjusted HGS measurements are reasonably close for practical use.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Biomedical Engineering
- Kinesiology
Background:
- Handgrip strength (HGS) is a key indicator of overall health and function.
- Smedley hand dynamometers are standard for HGS measurement in children and adults.
- Comparing different dynamometer models is crucial for consistent HGS assessment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare handgrip strength (HGS) values obtained from two different dynamometers, Grip-A and a modified Grip-D, in young children.
- To assess the comparability of HGS measurements between the two devices after calibration.
Main Methods:
- Twenty-five preschool children performed maximal voluntary HGS using Grip-A and modified Grip-D.
- Paired sample t-tests were used to analyze the difference in HGS between the devices.
- Dynamometers were calibrated using known weights to correct for potential errors.
Main Results:
- Initial HGS measurements showed significant differences between Grip-A (9.95 kg) and modified Grip-D (8.56 kg).
- After self-calibration, differences persisted (Grip-A: 10.65 kg, modified Grip-D: 9.98 kg), though within a closer range.
- The 95% limits of agreement were -0.68 kg to 2.0 kg after adjustment.
Conclusions:
- Company-calibrated Grip-A and modified Grip-D dynamometers can provide reasonably close estimates of HGS in children.
- Further research may be needed to refine calibration protocols for optimal inter-device consistency.
Objective:
A Smedley hand dynamometer is one of the standard devices for measuring handgrip strength (HGS) for children and adults. The aim was to compare the HGS values using two different types of dynamometers (Grip-A or Grip-D) in young children. To enable comparison between the two devices, we have redesigned the Grip-D (i.e., modified Grip-D).
Methods:
Twenty-five preschool children (10 girls and 15 boys) performed maximal voluntary HGS in the right hand using two different types of dynamometers. We ran a paired sample t-test on the difference in HGS between the two devices.
Results:
The measured values of HGS were 9.95 kg for Grip-A and 8.56 kg for modified Grip-D, and the difference between the two devices [1.39 (SD 0.65) kg] was greater than we expected (95% limits of agreement: 0.11, 2.6 kg). Thus, we then calibrated both dynamometers ourselves using known weights. The measured values were corrected if there was an error between the known weight and each dynamometer. Following adjustment, there was still a statistical difference (p < 0.001) in HGS between Grip-A [10.65 (SD 1.52) kg] and modified Grip-D [9.98 (SD 1.85) kg]. However, the difference between the two devices was 0.67 (SD 0.69) kg with the 95% limits of agreement between -0.68 and 2.0 kg.
Conclusion:
It is concluded that the HGS values of children measured with the company-calibrated new Grip-A and modified Grip-D could provide reasonably close estimates.
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