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Reliability and Correlations Among Handgrip Strength Measurements and Muscle Power in Older Women
Alexandra L Khartabil1, Ty B Palmer1
1Department of Kinesiology and Sport Management, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX, USA.
Journal of Musculoskeletal & Neuronal Interactions
|March 1, 2026
Summary
Handgrip strength measurements are reliable and correlate with muscle power in older women. This indicates handgrip strength is a key indicator of overall muscle power in this demographic.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Exercise Physiology
- Biomedical Engineering
Background:
- Understanding the reliability of handgrip strength measurements is crucial for assessing muscle function in older adults.
- The relationship between handgrip strength and broader measures of muscle power requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the test-retest reliability of handgrip strength measurements in older women.
- To determine the correlation between handgrip strength and key muscle power indicators.
Main Methods:
- Twenty healthy older women (mean age 67.8 years) underwent two testing sessions.
- Handgrip strength was assessed by measuring peak force and rate of force development (RFD).
- Muscle power was evaluated using sit-to-stand peak power and seated medicine ball throw distance.
Main Results:
- Handgrip strength, sit-to-stand peak power, and medicine ball throw distance showed high test-retest reliability (ICC: 0.930–0.978).
- Significant positive correlations were found between handgrip strength and sit-to-stand peak power (r = 0.485–0.533).
- Significant positive correlations were also observed between handgrip strength and seated medicine ball throw distance (r = 0.457–0.634).
Conclusions:
- Handgrip strength measurements, sit-to-stand peak power, and seated medicine ball throw distance are reliable in older women.
- Handgrip peak force and RFD are significantly associated with muscle power, suggesting their utility in assessments.
