Handgrip Strength Test

A handgrip dynamometer is squeezed as hard as possible to measure the maximum isometric force of the hand and forearm. Results from several trials (often both hands) provide a simple indicator of upper-limb strength and general strength status.

1. Gather a calibrated handgrip dynamometer, data sheet, and a timer; record age, sex, hand dominance, height, and body mass.
2. Adjust the grip so the handle rests across the middle of the fingers and the base sits on the heel of the palm.
3. Instruct the subject to stand or sit tall with shoulders relaxed; set the elbow either at ~90° by the side or in the standardized position your protocol specifies.
4. Ask the subject to take a breath, then squeeze the dynamometer as hard as possible without swinging the arm or using the body for leverage.
5. Maintain the maximal squeeze for about 3–5 seconds while the tester observes for compensations.
6. Release, rest at least 15–30 seconds (longer if needed), then repeat.
7. Perform 2–3 trials per hand; alternate hands if testing both.
8. Record the best value for each hand and note the protocol and position used; optionally compute the average or compare dominant vs non-dominant sides.

Grip Strength Protocol - Measurement & Evaluation Techniques:

Grip Strength Testing with a Dynamometer - Physical Therapy Education Solutions:

📄 Handgrip Strength Test - Topend Sports: https://www.topendsports.com/testing/tests/handgrip.htm

• Arm position changes (elbow at 90° by the side, arm hanging by the side, or standardized shoulder flexion) depending on the chosen protocol.
• Squeeze duration set to 3 seconds (e.g., Eurofit) instead of 5 seconds.
• Older-adult protocols (e.g., one practice trial, best of three with ~30 seconds rest).
• Report formats: dominant-hand only, best of either hand, or average of both hands.
• Seated versus standing posture; specify wrist angle (neutral versus slight extension) for consistency.

• Screen for recent hand, wrist, elbow, or shoulder injury before testing.
• Ensure the dynamometer is calibrated and the grip size is adjusted to avoid strain.
• Use a stable stance or seated position to prevent loss of balance during maximal effort.
• Instruct “no breath holding” in at-risk populations to reduce Valsalva-related blood pressure spikes.
• Stop immediately if there is pain, tingling, or dizziness.

• Why test both hands rather than just the dominant hand? (Dominance affects results; testing both can reveal asymmetries of clinical or sport relevance.)
• How does body position influence scores? (Changes in shoulder/elbow/wrist angles alter leverage and muscle recruitment, affecting measured force.)
• What does a large left–right difference suggest? (Possible dominance effects, injury history, or neuromuscular imbalance that may warrant follow-up.)
• Why standardize squeeze time and rest intervals? (Consistency improves reliability and allows valid comparison to norms.)
• Are handgrip scores a good proxy for whole-body strength? (They correlate with general strength but do not replace muscle-group–specific tests.)