Affiliations: [a] School of Allied Health, University of Connecticut,
Storrs, CT, USA | [b] Physical Therapy Consultants, West Hartford, CT,
USA | [c] Department of Health and Society, Faculty of Health
Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden | [d] School of Health Sciences, University of South
Australia, Adelaide, Australia
Note: [] Address for correspondence: Dr. Richard W. Bohannon, PT, NCS,
FAHA, University of Connecticut, School of Allied Health, U-2101, Storrs, CT
06269-2101, USA. Tel.: +1 860 486 0048; Fax: +1 860 486 1588; E-mail:
[email protected]
Abstract: Building on a previous meta-analysis, this study focused on the
utility of consolidating grip strength data from apparently healthy subjects
20–49 years of age. All data were obtained using a Jamar dynamometer and
procedures generally consistent with the recommendations of the American
Society of Hand Therapists. The meta-analysis revealed that the seven sources
provided homogeneous data (Q=0.21–0.81, p>0.667) for the left and
right sides of men and women subjects. Means and confidence intervals are
provided that can be used to interpret the normality of grip strength obtained
from men and women 20–49 years of age. By consolidating the data from
multiple studies conducted in five countries, a better overall estimate of
normal is obtained. Providing reference values for three decades combined
simplifies normative comparisons.
