HAND STRENGTH - NORMATIVE VALUES

We studied normal hand strength and the difference between dominant an d nondominant hands. Two hundred fourteen volunteers were tested with a calibrated Jamar dynamometer at all five levels. A pinch gauge was u sed to assess key and pulp pinch. Height, weight, sex, hand dominance, and hobby demands were predictive of maximum grip. Mean maximum grip for women was 81 Ib. and for men was 137 Ib. Key pinch averaged 22%, w hile pulp pinch averaged 16% of maximum grip. Only 129 (60%) patients had maximum strengths at level 2. The majority of right-handed subject s were 10% stronger in grip strength on the dominant side. In left-han ded subjects, mean grip was the same for both hands; the nondominant h and was stronger in 50% of left-handed subjects.