Grip Strength Test

Testing and measurement are the means of collecting information upon which subsequent performance evaluations and decisions are made. In the analysis, we need to consider the factors influencing the results.

Objective

To monitor the development of the athlete's grip strength.

Required Resources

To conduct this test, you will require:

Dynamometer
Assistant

How to conduct the test

The athlete using their dominant hand, applies as much grip pressure as possible on the dynamometer
The assistant records the maximum reading (kg)
The athlete repeats the test 3 times
The assistant uses the highest recorded value to assess the athlete's performance

Assessment

Clerke (2005)^[2] conducted a study which examined the impact of the shape of the hand (as relatively long, average, or square-shaped) on maximal voluntary isometric grip strength in a group of healthy male and female teenagers aged 13 to 17 years.

The following are national norms for this test for 16 to 19-year olds. (Davis 2000)^[1].

Gender	Excellent	Good	Average	Fair	Poor
Male	>56	51-56	45-50	39-44	<39
Female	>36	31-36	25-30	19-24	<19

To evaluate the athlete's performance, select the gender, enter the maximum reading and then select the 'Calculate' button.

Gender

Maximum reading kg

Assessment

Calculations are based on the above normative data table (Davis 2000)^[1]

Analysis

The test result is analysed by comparing it with the athlete's previous results for this test. It is expected that the analysis would indicate an improvement in the athlete's grip strength with appropriate training between each test.

Target Group

This test is suitable for active individuals but not for those where the test would be contraindicated.

Reliability

Test reliability refers to how a test is consistent and stable in measuring its intended measure. Reliability will depend upon how strict the test is conducted and the individual's level of motivation to perform the test. The following link provides various factors influencing the results and test reliability.

Validity

Test validity refers to the degree to which the test measures what it claims to measure and the extent to which inferences, conclusions, and decisions based on test scores are appropriate and meaningful. This test provides a means to monitor training on the athlete's physical development.

Advantages

Minimal equipment required
Simple to set up and conduct
Can be conducted almost anywhere

Disadvantages

Specialist equipment required
Assistant required to administer the test

References

DAVIS, B. et al. (2000) Physical fitness and fitness testing, In DAVIS, B. et al. Physical Education and the study of sport. 4th ed. London: Harcourt Publishers p. 123
CLERKE, A. (2005) Effects of hand shape on maximal isometric grip strength in teenagers. Journal of Hand Therapy, 18 (1), p. 19-29.

Page Reference

If you quote information from this page in your work, then the reference for this page is:

MACKENZIE, B. (2002) Grip Strength Test [WWW] Available from: https://www.brianmac.co.uk/grip.htm [Accessed