Assessment of hand-grip and key-pinch strength at three arm positions among healthy college students: Dominant versus non-dominant hand

OBJECTIVE: Grip strength is important for independent self-care and is a predictor of functional decline. This study aimed to determine if healthy individuals would demonstrate different hand-grip and key-pinch strengths at three different arm positions and in comparisons between dominant and non-dominant hands. METHODS: A total of 61 right-hand–dominant male college students aged 19–23 years were consecutively recruited from the College of Medical Rehabilitation Sciences. Three researchers performed the measurements. All tests were performed with the JAMAR® hand-grip dynamometer handle set in its second position. Participants were instructed to squeeze the handle of the hand-grip dynamometer in the 90° elbow flexion, 90° shoulder flexion, and arm dangled positions. For assessment of key-pinch strength, every participant had to squeeze the thumb pad against the lateral aspect of the middle phalanx of the index finger. Key-pinch strength was measured in the same positions used for assessment of hand-grip strength. Participants were blinded for the outcome measurements. The significance level was set at p < 0.05. RESULTS: The hand-grip and key-pinch strengths did not show significant effects. Comparison of right and left hand-grip strengths also showed insignificant differences. However, the key-pinch strength showed a significant increase in favour of the dominant hand. CONCLUSIONS: Clinicians can choose any upper-extremity position to measure hand-grip and key-pinch strength. Furthermore, clinicians should aim to maintain and restore almost equal scores for hand-grip and pinch strength of the dominant and non-dominant hands to ensure better hand function.