Handgrip dynamometry is emerging as an important tool whose test results are proving to be powerful biomarkers in overall health and predictive markers for general strength, bone density, physical function, fall risk and fractures, nutritional status, length of stay after hospitalization and surgery, and disease status and comorbidity load.
Therapists, researchers, healthcare professionals, and other professionals are incorporating handgrip dynamometry into daily practice, yearly health screenings, and venues that are designed to create relevant awareness in individuals of the importance of physical activity and strength development for a greater quality of life and mobility.
Shop a variety of Handgrip Dynamometers - Analog, Digital, Hydraulic, and Smedley Style
A handgrip dynamometer is an assessment tool specifically designed to accurately and quantitively measure a person’s ability to use his or her forearm and finger flexor muscles to apply a gripping force. A handgrip dynamometer is not only important in the evaluation of grip strength for rehabilitation progression and improvement monitoring after hand pathology but has also shown to be a good indicator of health-related quality of life.
The human hand is designed with special anatomical features that uniquely provide the ability to grip and hold on to things, as well as other features that provide for precise movements. Click HERE to read the article, “Some Unique Anatomical Features of our Hand that Enhance our Ability to Grip and Hold Objects”.
Consider the myriad activities we engage in daily that require out ability to grip and hold onto objects and how our lives may be adversely affected if we lost or had significantly reduced our ability to hold things, like tools, grooming devices, steering wheel for driving, holding bags, children, gear, etc. Ensuring a return to an adequate grip strength after pathology is a vitally important patient assessment.
Handgrip dynamometers come with different tension providing features such as hydraulic, pneumatic, and spring, and provide various configurations including electronic digital and gauge reading.
Shop ProhealthcareProducts.com for top brand handgrip dynamometers including Jamar, Baseline, DynEx, Lafayette, Tekdyne, and others top quality products.
Click HERE to read an article on “Handgrip Dynamometer: How it Works and Why it’s Important”.
Who Uses Handgrip Dynamometers
- Rehabilitation Specialists: Physical therapists and occupational therapists use handgrip dynamometers to determine baseline strength measurements in the monitoring of progress overtime in patients receiving rehabilitation treatment for hand injury and dysfunction.
- Researchers and Clinicians: Handgrip dynamometry provides a quick and easy assessment protocol to measure muscle strength across populations and in performing associated research.
- Geriatric Specialists: Handgrip strength data can provide important information related to muscle wasting progression and frailty in older persons. This data can be relevant to the design of therapeutic interventions and use in monitoring of chronic conditions.
- Employers: As a screening tool to assess the capability and injury risk for specific job tasks involving frequent and strenuous handgrip work. It has also been used as a tool to determine compensation from work related injuries. It has also been used to demonstrate limb positioning for proper ergonomics of certain work tasks.
- Educators: A unique benefit of having a handgrip dynamometer is that the educator you can use it to teach important kinesiological principles. Click HERE to read the article, “Using a Handgrip Dynamometer to Teach Kinesiological Principles.”
Reference
Christina Musalek and Sylvia Kirchengast. Grip Strength as an Indicator of Health-Related Quality of Life in Old Age – A Pilot Study. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2017 Dec; 14 (12): 1447 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5750866/
Some of our most popular handgrip dynamometers include:
 Baseline Digital Smedley Spring Hand Dynamometer $99.00 |
 Jamar Plus Digital Hand Dynamometer $315.00 |
 Baseline 200 Pound Hydraulic Hand Dynamometer $235.00 |
 DynEx 1 Electronic Grip Tester $779.00 |