The method of measuring grip strength and the mean grip strength of elderly individuals aged over 60 years were examined.
Regarding the method of measuring grip strength, we examined two variables, i. e. the width of the handle of the Smedley dynamometer and the posture during measurement. We compared the following three positions to assess the effect of the width of the handle of the Smedley dynamometer: (1) the width which was added 0.5cm to the distance between the distal palmar crease and the PIP joint of the index finger or (2) 5cm or (3) the subjects set the width freely. There was no difference in grip strength among the three positions, but when the subjects set the handle position they often gripped it as it was. Next we compared the following three postures: (1) supine, (2) sitting and (3) standing. Grip strength was weaker in the supine posture than in the sitting or standing postures.
Then we measured the grip strength of 112 men and 127 women over 60 years of age in the sitting position and with a 5cm handle width of the Smedley dynamometer.
The mean grip strength of the men was as follows: 60-64 years; 33.4±9.4kg, 65-69 year; 33.5±8.3kg, 70-74 years; 30.3±8.3kg, 75-79 year; 32.5±7.5kg and over 80 years; 33.2±8.8kg. The corresponding values for women were 21.8±5.1kg, 20.2±8.0kg, 20.8±6.4kg, 18.6±5.8kg and 15.0±4.3kg respectively. The effect of aging was more marked in women than in men.
Then we divided the subjects into two groups according to their daily activity level. The high activity group had stronger grip strength than the low activity group.

View full abstract