Grip Dynamometer

Hand dynamometer, November 9, 2021. Courtesy of Mikayla Morton.

Dynamometry is utilized to measure a client’s grip strength. The dynamometer should be on a #2 setting before assessing.

• Steps to Assess Grip Strength:
  • 1. Have client seated with their shoulder adducted and their elbow flexed to 90 degrees. Forearm should be positioned neutral, wrist between 0 and 30 degrees of extension and 0-15 degrees of ulnar deviation
  • 2. Once client is positioned, place the dynamometer in their hand
  • 3. Tell client that you will be measuring their grip strength. Let them know they will not feel movement of the dynamometer handle but that they should continue to squeeze
  • 4. Instruct the client to squeeze the dynamometer as hard as possible.
  • 5. Complete 3 trials on each hand and document the score as the average of the 3 trials
  • 6. Compare client’s documented results to normal data

(Gett & Romaniw, 2021)

• Grip Strength Norms:

Figure 1 is from Hydraulic hand dynamometer owner’s manual, by Patterson Medical.

References

Gett, M., & Romaniw, A. (2021, November 2). Strength and manual muscle testing [PowerPoint slides]. Brightspace. https://mylearning.chatham.edu/d2l/le/content/21252/Home

Morton, M. (Photographer). (2021). Grip dynamometer [Photograph].

Patterson Medical. Hydraulic hand dynamometer owner’s manual.