Population Norms for Hand Grip and Precision Grip Strengths in Polish Children and Adolescents Aged 3-19

Area of Science:

• Pediatrics
• Physiotherapy
• Human Anatomy

Background:

• Normative data for hand and precision grip strength are crucial for assessing development, rehabilitation effectiveness, and treatment outcomes.
• Polish physiotherapists and physicians require established grip strength norms for Polish children to effectively treat upper limb conditions.
• This study addresses the need for localized grip strength data in a specific pediatric population.

Purpose of the Study:

• To establish normative values for hand and precision grip strengths in Polish children and adolescents aged 3 to 19 years.
• To provide a reference standard for evaluating grip strength in the Polish pediatric population.
• To aid in the diagnosis and management of upper limb conditions in children.

Main Methods:

• A sample of 358 children and adolescents (aged 3-19) without upper limb injuries or defects were recruited from diverse geographical settings in Poland.
• Grip strength, including pincer, three-point, side, and opposition grips, was measured using a hand dynamometer and pinchmeter.
• Data collection occurred between 2012 and 2023, ensuring a contemporary dataset.

Main Results:

• Grip strength demonstrated a positive correlation with chronological age across all tested grip types and both genders.
• Boys exhibited higher grip strength compared to girls, and the right hand showed greater strength than the left (difference <10%).
• Detailed normative data, including standard deviations, were presented in tables categorized by age and sex.

Conclusions:

• Normative grip strength values for Polish children and adolescents (3-19 years) have been successfully established.
• These norms enable clinicians to compare Polish pediatric patients against healthy, age- and sex-matched peers.
• The findings support improved clinical assessment and treatment planning for pediatric upper limb conditions in Poland.