Development of an updated normative data table for hand grip and pinch strength: A pilot study

Study design: Pilot cross-sectional clinical measurement. Introduction: Normative tables for assessment of grip and pinch strength were developed 30 years ago and are likely outdated. Purpose of study: To assess suitability of current normative tables to evaluate hand and grip strength in clinical practice. Methods: Hand grip strength (HGS) data were measured in 120 healthy subjects for comparison to normative values by gender, age, and handedness. Results:: Statistically significant differences in HGS measurements (grip, key pinch, and palmar pinch) between our measurements and normative data were detected in males and females regardless of handedness. When the population was stratified by five year age groups per Mathiowetz Rating Scale and compared to Mathiowetz normal values, 23 out of 120 possible comparisons (19%) had associated p-values <0.10, suggesting moderate evidence of differences between study and reference values. In simulated 10-year age groups, 23 out of 60 possible comparisons (38%) had relatively large differences between our measurements and Mathiowetz [20/23 (87%) were greater than 10% and 8 (35%) were greater that 15%]. Negative differences (N=19) were more frequent than positive differences (N=4), which indicates our patient population as a whole has decreased HGS compared to previous populations though we note this difference in HGS measurements is less in patients over 45 years of age. Conclusions:: Normative hand strength values need to be further assessed in a larger study to update normative standards for use in clinical practice.