Preview
Hüseyin Akbulut, MSc (2026). Handgrip Strength Test: Protocol, Norms and Application. Sporeus. Retrieved, November 2, 2026. https://sporeus.com/en/egzersiz-testleri-en/handgrip-strength-test/
Measures: Hand grip strength, an indicator of overall strength and a predictor of mortality
Table of Contents
Difficulty: Easy | Category: Strength
Protocol
The Handgrip Strength Test assesses hand-squeezing force measured with a hand dynamometer. Despite its simple application, it is a strong indicator of general health status, muscular power, and mortality risk.
Preparation: The participant sits comfortably in a chair. Elbow bent at 90°, forearm in neutral position. Before picking up the dynamometer, calibration is verified. Grip size (Position II is generally recommended) is adjusted. 3–5 minutes of rest before each hand is tested.
Test Procedure (ASHT Standard): The participant sits, shoulder in adduction, elbow at 90° flexion, forearm and wrist in neutral position. The dynamometer is held with the dominant hand. On the command ‘Squeeze!’, they perform maximum grip for 3–5 seconds. 3 trials are performed with 30 seconds of rest between. Same procedure is applied for the non-dominant hand.
Data Recording: Maximum or mean of 3 trials for each hand is recorded in kg or Newtons. Dominant/non-dominant ratio is calculated.
Calculation: Dominant hand grip strength (kg). Value normalized to body weight: grip (kg) / BW (kg). Compared to Leong et al. (2015) data for mortality estimation.
Post-Test: Hand stretching. Dominant hand value is compared to health risk tables.
Formula
Relative grip = grip_kg / BW_kg; rated against norms by sex and age
Equipment Required
hand dynamometer (Jamar or equivalent), sandalye
Normative Values (Age: 20-29)
| Classification | Male | Female |
|---|---|---|
| Excellent | >56 kg | >37 kg |
| Good | 48-56 kg | 30-37 kg |
| Average | 39-48 kg | 23-30 kg |
| Below Average | 30-39 kg | 17-23 kg |
| Poor | <30 kg | <17 kg |
Practical Applications
Handgrip strength is used in geriatric assessment, cardiovascular health indicator, occupational health screening, and functional strength tracking in sports science.
Limitations
Only measures hand strength; does not fully reflect whole-body strength. Painful hand pathologies reduce measurement reliability.
Related Tests: Finger Strength Test, Dead Hang Test, Isometric Mid-Thigh Pull
Sources: Leong DP et al., 2015, Lancet; ASHT (American Society of Hand Therapists) Standards, 2015
Hüseyin Akbulut is the founder of Sporeus and author of THRESHOLD (EŞİK), a 540-page Turkish-language book on endurance science.
- 540pp THRESHOLD Book
- MSc Sport Sciences
- Marmara University
Protocol The Handgrip Strength Test assesses hand-squeezing force measured with a hand dynamometer. Despite its simple application, it is a strong indicator of general health status, muscular power, and mortality risk. Preparation: The participant sits comfortably in a chair. Elbow bent at 90°, forearm in neutral position. Before picking up the dynamometer, calibration is verified. Grip size (Position II is generally recommended) is adjusted. 3–5 minutes of rest before each hand is tested. Test Procedure (ASHT Standard): The participant sits, shoulder in adduction, elbow at 90° flexion, forearm and wrist in neutral position. The dynamometer is held with the dominant hand. On the command 'Squeeze!', they perform maximum grip for 3–5 seconds. 3 trials are performed with 30 seconds of rest between. Same procedure is applied for the non-dominant hand. Data Recording: Maximum or mean of 3 trials for each hand is recorded in kg or Newtons. Dominant/non-dominant ratio is calculated. Calculation: Dominant hand grip strength (kg). Value normalized to body weight: grip (kg) / BW (kg). Compared to Leong et al. (2015) data for mortality estimation. Post-Test: Hand stretching. Dominant hand value is compared to health risk tables. Formula
Relative grip = grip_kg / BW_kg; rated against norms by sex and age
Equipment Required
hand dynamometer (Jamar or equivalent), sandalye
