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Sensitivity of the Jamar Dynamometer in detecting submaximal grip effort
R F Ashford1, S Nagelburg, R Adkins
1Rancho Los Amigos Medical Center, Pasadena, CA 91103, USA.
The Journal of Hand Surgery
|May 1, 1996
Summary
Patients can achieve consistent submaximal grip strength efforts during Jamar testing, potentially leading to a false impression of grip strength loss. This finding suggests a need to re-evaluate standard testing protocols for grip strength measurement.
Area of Science:
- Rehabilitation Medicine
- Orthopedics
- Neurology
Background:
- Grip strength is a crucial indicator of upper extremity function.
- Standardized testing protocols are essential for accurate assessment.
- The Jamar Dynamometer is commonly used for grip strength evaluation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the variability of maximal versus submaximal grip strength efforts using the Jamar Dynamometer.
- To determine if patients can consistently produce submaximal efforts.
- To assess the impact of effort level on grip strength measurement reliability.
Main Methods:
- Twenty-two healthy participants performed maximal and submaximal grip strength trials with the Jamar Dynamometer.
- Grip strength was measured for both right and left hands over three consecutive trials for each effort level.
- Standard deviations of trial sets were calculated and compared between maximal and submaximal efforts using a paired t-test.
Main Results:
- No statistically significant difference was found in the variability of results between maximal and submaximal effort groups.
- This indicates that consistent submaximal efforts can be reliably reproduced.
- The study identified potential for falsely low grip strength readings.
Conclusions:
- The current Jamar testing protocol may permit patients to exert consistently submaximal effort.
- This can lead to an inaccurate representation of true grip strength.
- Consideration should be given to modifying protocols to ensure maximal effort for accurate assessment.