Value of pounds of grip strength force for the dominant hand trial 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

Test Trial (dominant hand): Say: Now were going to test each hand, beginning with this (point; say your right or left) hand. When I say squeeze, this time I want you to squeeze the handle as hard as you can. Support dynamometer during testing. Continue: Ready? 3-2-1-squeeze! Harder, harder, harder. After 3-4 seconds, say: Stop. Record force to nearest tenth of a pound on record sheet for transfer to computer. 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 11:24:42 EDT 2018

NIH/CIT/BRICS

Malaika Schwartz

mschwartz@sapient.com

NIH/CIT/BRICS

Olga Vovk

olga.vovk@nih.gov