Normative values of hand grip strength and pinch grip strength in healthy children^#

To perform day to day fine motor activities child requires sufficient hand grip and pinch grip strength. Thus, an objective evolution of hand strength has become important for the therapist providing rehabilitative care including hand musculature weakness. Several studies have determined normative data for children but no literature has emphasized on using Baseline ^® dynamometer as the evaluation tool.

The purpose of this study was to establish normative data bank using baseline hydraulic hand dynamometer and mechanical pinch gauge.

302 healthy children from 6 to 12 years age were evaluated using Baseline handheld dynamometer to measure palmar grip strength and mechanical pinch gauge dynamometer to evaluate pinch grip strength using a standardization testing protocol. The mean of three consecutive grip test was recorded.

Mean hand grip strength for both right and left side values for age 6,7,8,9,10,11,12 were 3.34 kgf, 6.28 kgf, 7.09 kgf, 7.94 kgf, 10.16 kgf, 11.84 kgf and 15.25 kgf respectively and pinch grip strength for both right and left side values was 2.44 kgf, 2.90 kgf, 3.40 kgf, 3.47 kgf, 4.46 kgf, 4.48 kgf, 4.65 kgf respectively. Mean hand grip and pinch grip strength for boys are 9.57 kgf and 3.96 kgf respectively and for girls 8.33 kgf and 3.37 kgf respectively.

We concluded that mean hand grip and pinch grip strength coincides with increase in chronological age, boys have stronger grip strengths in all age groups than girls and hand dominance affects grip strength scores. This study serves as a reference of normality of hand and pinch grip strength in children.