Validation of a Low-Cost Handheld Dynamometer Against a Standard Device for Handgrip Strength Assessment in Stable...

Handgrip strength (HGS) is a key metric in cirrhosis. Multiple devices exist for HGS measurement, with gender specific cut-offs being established. However, the cut-offs do not account for potential differences between devices. We assessed the performance of the Camry EH101® handgrip dynamometer against the gold-standard Jamar® dynamometer in cirrhosis.

This prospective observational study enrolled stable outpatients with cirrhosis (≥ 18 years). Baseline demographic and biochemical indices were assessed. HGS testing was performed by two dynamometers (Camry EH101® and Jamar®) and evaluated for correlation, systematic differences, and level of agreement.

76 stable outpatients [48.1±12.1 years, 50 (65.7%) were males, MASLD, 77.7%] were enrolled. The overall right HGS by Jamar® and Camry EH101® dynamometers in males was 31.3±6 Kg and 25.6±7.3Kg, respectively, while it was 19.4±4.7 and15.0±3.4 in females. The correlation coefficient for right- and left-hand measurements was 0.82 (0.72-0.88) and 0.81 (0.72-0.88), respectively. Regression analysis showed no significant deviation from linearity. Bland-Altman plots for levels of agreement showed most values falling within the +/-1.96 SD range. However, there were outliers overall, representing a modest level of agreement.

While the Jamar® handgrip dynamometer remains the gold standard, alternatives like the Camry EH101® dynamometer show good correlation and modest agreement.