Hand strength: normative values

We studied normal hand strength and the difference between dominant and nondominant hands. Two hundred fourteen volunteers were tested with a calibrated Jamar dynamometer at all five levels. A pinch gauge was used to assess key and pulp pinch. Height, weight, sex, hand dominance, and hobby demands were predictive of maximum grip. Mean maximum grip for women was 81 lb. and for men was 137 lb. Key pinch averaged 22%, while pulp pinch averaged 16% of maximum grip. Only 129 (60%) patients had maximum strengths at level 2. The majority of right-handed subjects were 10% stronger in grip strength on the dominant side. In left-handed subjects, mean grip was the same for both hands; the nondominant hand was stronger in 50% of left-handed subjects.