Reference Values of Handgrip Strength for Healthy Adults

Abstract

Aim: Handgrip strength (HGS) is a reliable method used both in clinical and epidemiologic settings for the determining the nutritional status. The purpose of this study was to determine the reference values and affecting factors of HGS for healthy adults, aged 19 to 65 years. Subjects and methods: A total of 150 subjects (47 males and 103 females) were recruited from staff of Ankara University Hospitals. General characteristics, nutritional habits, general health and physical activity level (PAL) data were collected using a questionnaire. Using food frequency questionnaire intakes of energy and nutrients were calculated and results were compared with Dietary Reference Intakes (DRI). Anthropometric measurements (body weight, height, mid upper arm circumference, waist and hip circumferences, triceps skinfold thickness) were measured with standardized techniques. HGS was measured by Jamar Handgrip Dynamometer. HGS percentiles were calculated for right and left hands, depending on age and gender. Results: HGS reference data for right and left hands were 42.3±7.3 kg and 41.5±7.3 kg for males; and 24.7±5.2 kg and 23.2±5.0 kg for females, respectively. The highest level of HGS was found between the ages of 35-44 years in both gender and after 45 years a reduction was observed. In males, a positive relationship was found between HGS and body weight, body mass index, mid upper arm circumference and mid upper arm muscle area, whereas a negative relation was found with age (p<0.05). In females, a positive relationship was found between HGS and height, body weight and PAL (p<0.05). Conclusion: HGS is a simple, quick, easily performed and inexpensive test and it could be used effectively. In accordance with all these results, further studies on HGS should be conducted and the reference values for various age and sex groups on large sample sizes should be determined.