To determine grip strength accurately, one should use a handgrip dynamometer. Repeated assessments should follow the same protocol, such as the American Society of Hand Therapists (ASHT) protocol. This protocol requires the subject to sit upright with the elbow flexed at 90 degrees and the dynamometer handle adjusted to the second position. Subjects should squeeze the device with maximum isometric effort for 3 to 5 seconds, performing three alternating trials for each hand to allow for rest. Final strength is determined by calculating the average or maximum value of these trials, or by computing the Relative Grip Strength Index (RGSI) to adjust for Body Mass Index.
Published Q&A