What factors influence Australian adult grip strength

Myles, Louise;Barnett, Fiona;Massey-Westropp, Nicola

Abstract

Introduction: Grip strength is commonly assessed by occupational therapists and provides a simple quantitative measure of hand function. Reference values for grip strength are generally categorised by age and gender only with no other influencing factors accounted for. Objectives: This study aimed (1) to collect grip strength data related to functional, biological and demographic factors for Australian adults and (2) to determine the relationship between these relevant factors and grip strength for Australian adults. Methods: Participants completed a basic questionnaire on demographic information before undergoing measurement of biological factors such as height, weight, hand length, width and forearm length and circumference. Grip strength was assessed using a Jamar dynamometer and the grip strength testing procedure as outline by the American Society of Hand Therapists. Multiple regression analysis was conducted to determine which of the influencing factors most strongly predicts grip strength. Results: Data were collected from 215 male (n = 119) and female (n = 96) Australian adults aged between 18 to 66 years. Preliminary findings indicate the accepted factors of age and gender are strongly predictive of grip strength. Forearm circumference was found to be the most predictive biological factor followed by hand length. Work was identified as the most predictive functional factor. It is recommended clinicians consider these other influencing factors when assessing and evaluating grip strength. Conclusion: The identified influencing factors allow contextualization of an individual's usual occupations and correlating body measurements in relation to grip strength.

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Australian Occupational Therapy Journal

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1440-1630

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Wiley-Blackwell

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DOI

10.1111/1440-1630.12874