Grip strength in the aging female hand: a comparison of two dynamometer models

Traditionally, occupational therapists use dynamometers to measure grip strength. Several models of the Jamar dynamometer are available, thus providing a choice of instruments. This study sought to determine whether the decreased weight of the digital Jamar Dynamometer Model 2A3 affected grip strength performance among older women. Grip strength of forty volunteer subjects between the ages of 60 and 80 years was tested with two Jamar dynamometers (Models 1 and 2A3). Subjects were separated into four groups of 5-year age increments; each group comprised 10 women. Data were collected from three successive trials on each dynamometer, using right and left hands alternately. A three-way analysis of variance with repeated measures was used to analyze these data. Results revealed significant differences on the variables of dynamometer, age group, and preferred hand, and on an interaction of group by hand. Findings indicated major differences in the way Jamar Dynamometer Models 1 and 2A3 measure grip strength.