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Grip Strength Test
Click Here For Grip Strength Training Secrets A recent study published in the American Geriatric Society journal showed that the predictable diminishing of your hand grip strength as you get older affects everyone. But it is also a good way to recognize the onset of many diseases like arthritis and many other such illnesses.
So in order to perform a grip strength test accurately you are going to need a hand dynamometer. The curved handle of the dynamometer mimics the pattern of your hand when making a fist and the handle is pliable and receptive to pressure against it. Attached to the hand grip is a monitor that shows the strength of the squeeze in kilograms. More advanced models may have a digital readout.
To get the results you need to perform a few tests which are a series of squeezes on the dynamometer with at least 30 seconds of rest between each squeeze to allow for optimal recovery. Perform the test from a standing position with your elbow bent at 90-degrees to the side of, but not against, your body.
Grab the dynamometer with a neutral grip, with your thumb pointing up. Take a deep breath. As you breathe out, squeeze the dynamometer as hard as you can for around 10 to 15 seconds. Record the highest value reached. Perform at least three trials for each hand. The highest value obtained for each hand is your score.
Obviously your test score will be specific to your age and gender. The measurement of hand grip strength is usually based on your dominant hand with large discrepancies of more than 5 kg between the two hands signaling the need to see a specialist.
On average, 30-year-old men will display about 40.25 kg of pressure when gripping the dynamometer, while 30-year-old women typically use 21 kg of force with their dominant hand. Men age 50 average 33 kg, while 50-year-old women average 17.5 kg.
If your values are below average, consult with your doctor about potential causes for the low value and determine if using a weight-training program is appropriate. Resistance training exercises that utilize free weights, such as barbell and dumbbells, require the muscles in your wrist and forearm to activate to hold the weight. These types of exercises improve your grip strength and have the added benefit of training other muscles in your body.
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