Value of pounds of grip strength force for the dominant hand practice test, as part of the NIH Toolbox Motor Domain Strength Measure Grip Strength Test

The NIH Toolbox Grip Strength Test is adapted from the grip strength testing protocol of the American Society of Hand Therapy. Participants are seated in a chair with their feet touching the ground. With the elbow bent to 90 degrees and the arm against the trunk, wrist at neutral, participants squeeze the Jamar Plus Digital dynamometer as hard as they can for a count of three. The dynamometer provides a digital reading of force in pounds. A practice trial at less than full force and one test trial are completed with each hand. The test takes approximately three minutes to administer and is recommended for ages 3-85. Dominant vs. Non-Dominant Hand (i.e., handedness) is assessed at the outset of Toolbox testing.

2016-05-27

http://www.nihtoolbox.org/HowDoI/TechnicalManual/Technical%20Manual%20sections/Toolbox%20Grip%20Strength%20Test%20Technical%20Manual.pdf

Practice (dominant hand): Press RESET and TEST on dynamometer before trial. Say: Lets practice; first well use this (dominant hand, your right or left) hand. When I say squeeze, I want you to squeeze the handle hard but not as hard as you can. Support dynamometer during testing. Continue: Ready? 3-2-1-squeeze. After 3-4 seconds, say: Stop. Press RESET and TEST on dynamometer before next trial.

Show the dynamometer, say: We will use this machine to measure how strong your hands are. You will squeeze the handle 2 times (one practice and one test trial) with each hand while your arm is against your side and your elbow is bent like this (90 degrees). The handle won�t move, but the machine will show how hard you squeezed. See? (Show force measurement) Do you have any questions?

Tue May 08 11:25:23 EDT 2018

NIH/CIT/BRICS

Malaika Schwartz

mschwartz@sapient.com

NIH/CIT/BRICS

Olga Vovk

olga.vovk@nih.gov