Equipment needed: Chair (preferably without arms), handgrip dynamometer
A simple handgrip strength test using a dynamometer is a quick screen for overall muscle strength as the two are highly correlated in older populations.
A standardized positioning for this test has been recommended:
• Subject is seated with back, pelvis and knees as close to 90 degrees as possible
• Shoulder is adducted (arm by their side), elbow flexed at 90 degrees, forearm neutral
• The arm is not supported by the examiner or armrest and the dynamometer is presented vertically and in line with the forearm
• Maximum grip is the mean of three trials According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control criteria the following levels of muscle strength are in the chart below.
However, a measurement below 30kg for men and 20kg for women are used to diagnose sarcopenia.
