Hand Grip Strength: What It Is, Role in Assessing Sarcopenia Risk, How to Measure

What is Hand Grip Strength?

Hand grip strength (HGS) is more than just a measure of how tightly you can squeeze. It refers to the maximum force that can be exerted by your hand and forearm muscles and is widely used as a marker for muscle strength and endurance. This seemingly simple measure offers a window into your overall physical health, providing insights that go beyond just your grip.

Benefits of Strong Hand Grip Strength

Enhanced Daily Functionality: A strong grip is essential for performing everyday tasks efficiently. From opening jars to carrying heavy bags, your grip strength directly impacts your ability to manage these activities with ease, contributing to greater independence and quality of life.
Improved Sports Performance: In sports that require hand and forearm strength, such as tennis, climbing, or weightlifting, a robust grip is crucial. It enhances your ability to control, sustain, and generate power, leading to better performance and reduced fatigue.
Reduced Risk of Injury: A strong grip helps stabilize your wrists and forearms, reducing the risk of common injuries like sprains and strains. This stability is particularly important in preventing falls and supporting your body during physical activities, thereby minimizing the chance of serious injury.
Reduced Risk of Chronic Diseases: Studies have shown that individuals with stronger grip strength are less likely to develop chronic diseases such as hypertension, diabetes and osteoporosis. This may be due to the overall benefits of maintaining muscle strength and a healthy metabolism, which are key factors in preventing and managing these conditions.

Benefits of Strong Hand Grip Strength

Role of Hand Grip Strength in Assessing Sarcopenia Risk

According to the Asian Working Group for Sarcopenia (AWGS) 2019 guidelines, HGS is used as one of the key assessments to evaluate the risk of sarcopenia—a condition characterized by the progressive loss of muscle mass, strength and function. Specific cutoff values have been established to help identify individuals who may be at risk of sarcopenia:

For males: HGS <28 kg
For females: HGS <18 kg

When an individual’s HGS falls below these cutoff points, it indicates potential muscle weakness. This may indicate the need for further assessment, such as measuring appendicular skeletal muscle (ASM) or appendicular skeletal muscle index (ASMI) using Dual-Energy X-ray Absorptiometry (DEXA) or Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis (BIA). Additionally, evaluating physical performance through tests such as gait speed or 5-time chair stands is also crucial for confirming the diagnosis.

AWGS 2019 Sarcopenia Assessment

How to Measure Hand Grip Strength?

To assess HGS, a device known as a hand grip strength dynamometer is used, which accurately gauges the amount of force applied during a grip.

There are several types of dynamometers in the market, each utilizing a distinct mechanism to measure grip strength:

Spring Dynamometers: These dynamometers use a spring mechanism where the force of the grip compresses the spring. The measurement is based on the amount of compression, providing a simple and mechanical assessment of grip strength.
Hydraulic Dynamometers: These dynamometers measure grip strength through hydraulic pressure. The force applied is converted into hydraulic pressure, offering a more precise reading compared to spring dynamometers.
Digital Dynamometers: Equipped with electronic sensors and a digital display, these dynamometers provide precise measurements and often feature additional functionalities such as data storage.
Strain Gauge Dynamometers: These dynamometers measure grip strength using a mechanism that involves strain gauges attached to a metal element. When you grip the device, the force applied deforms the metal, which changes the strain gauges’ electrical resistance. This change is then converted into a measurement of grip strength. Strain gauge dynamometers can suffer from hysteresis, where repeated use without adequate rest affects accuracy. This leads to unreliable measurements over time as the device’s calibration can be compromised.

Hand Dynamometer Types

Introducing InBody’s InGrip Hand Dynamometer with Load Cell Sensor

InBody has also recently launched our own hand grip dynamometer, the InGrip hand dynamometer. This innovative device uses a load cell mechanism, which eliminates the hysteresis issue found in strain gauge dynamometers, ensuring accurate and reliable measurements over an extended period.

In addition to its advanced load cell technology, the InGrip features several other key innovations to enhance reliability and consistency:

Handle Guide: Ensures consistent measurement positioning, reducing potential errors.
Adjustable Fit: Accommodates a wide range of hand sizes for precise results.
Bluetooth Wireless Communication: Enables seamless integration with the InBody Body Composition Analyzer, expanding the possibilities for comprehensive assessments and future applications.

InGrip Features