Reliability and validity of grip and pinch strength evaluations

Twenty-seven college women participated in a study to evaluate the reliability and validity of four tests of hand strength: grip, palmar pinch, key pinch, and tip pinch. Standardized positioning and instructions were followed. The results showed very high inter-rater reliability. Test-retest reliability was highest in all tests when the mean of three trials was used. Lower correlations were shown when one trial or the highest score of three trials were utilized. The Jamar dynamometer by Asimow Engineering and the pinch gauge by B&L Engineering demonstrated the highest accuracy of the instruments tested.