Grip & Pinch Strength in Relation to Anthropometric Data in Adults

Abstract

Background There are few studies that comprehensively explore a large scale of variables within one study population to correctly determine the variables that are truly significant in determining grip and pinch strength. Furthermore studies that have been conducted on this subject mostly offer conflicting reports and are based on different geographical populations. The goal of this study is to explore a large scale of variables and their relationship to grip and pinch strength and to establish reference values to help clinicians asses loss of grip and pinch strength in patients. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted on 309 participants between 18 and 80 with at least one healthy upper extremity. The grip and pinch strength was measured using a Jamar hand dynamometer in position two and a Jamar hydraulic pinch gauge. Results & Conclusion A total of 309 participants were included in this study, 152 (49.2%) males and 157 (50.8%) females between the age of 18 and 80 years old. Linear regression analysis reveals a varying set of variables significantly associated with grip and pinch strength (p ≤ 0.05). For grip strength, these are age, sex, height, weight, and thickest forearm circumference, while for pinch strength these are sex, weight, thickest forearm circumference, and hand length.