Effect of hand dominance in grip and pinch strength and reference values in adults

Abstract

Objective: We aimed to determine the difference in terms of grip strength in elbow flexion and elbow extension in addition to the pinch strength among the dominant and nondominant sides in Turkish people. Material and Methods: Grip strength in flexion and extension and pinch strength in dominant and nondominant sides were measured in 232 (116 female; 116 male) individuals consisting of patients and their accompaniers who were admitted to the hospital. The age distribution was 18-74 (mean 32.29) years. Grip strength of the wrist was measured using the standard Jamar dynamometer and pinchmeter. Inclusion criteria were having age over 18 years, no history of surgical procedures on upper extremities, no history of diabetes and neurological disease, no history of pain or difficulty in use for upper extremities. Results: In total, 207 (89.1%) individuals were the right side dominant whereas 25 (10.9%) individuals were the left side dominant. The grip strength was 21-70 kg (mean 40.32). The mean value in dominant side was 42.50 kg in men and 36.24 in women. The mean difference in grip strength among dominant and nondominant sides was 2.99 kg in men and 3.15 in women. The difference was statistically significant in both groups. There was no significant difference in terms of pinch strength among the dominant and nondominant sides, among both males and females. There was no significant difference in grip strength during extension or flexion. Conclusion: Grip strength and pinch strength are tests that are easily applicable and do not require high patient compliance. The grip strength difference between the dominant and dominant side is 5-7% in men and 8-9% in women. Since it is not possible to determine the grip strength before the disease, the data regarding the uninvolved side may be used as a reference regarding the expected recovery level.