1. Hand grip strength test

2. Based on EHES Manual, Part B. Fieldwork Procedures, 2nd edition (2016)
Available at:
These slides can be used freely, translated and adapted to national use (e.g. concerning the equipment). However, it is important to keep in mind that no changes should be made to the measurement techniques, which need to be standardized.

3. Exclusion criteria Conditions that prevent squeezing of the device:
Swelling
Inflammation
Sever pain or injury in hands
Surgery to both hands in past 6 months
Bad arthritis or rheumatic diseases
Does not understand instructions due to dementia or other cognitive problem
Refusal

4. Equipment Straight backed chair, preferably without armrests
Dynamometer

5. Quality assurance: Calibration and checking
Calibrate and check the dynamometer regularly according to manufacturer’s instructions
Record each checking of the equipment and the outcome in the log book
If problems are observed in the dynamometer, replace it and record this in the log book

6. Preparations Demonstrate the use of the dynamometer to the participant
Encourage the participant to do his/her best during the test
Ask the participant which is his/her dominant hand
Used for e.g. writing
The test is performed on this dominant hand

7. Preparations
Adjust the grasp of the dynamometer to fit the size of the participant’s hand
The second joint of the forefinger is in 90 degree flexion
Check if the grasp feels as it is easy squeeze

8. Posture of the subject Ask the participant to sit in a chair with:
straight back
feet flat on the floor
upper arm unsupported and aligned with the trunk
elbow flexed at 90° degrees
forearm and wrist in neutral position 3 1 4 5 2

9. Performing the test Ask the participant to begin squeezing
Keep squeezing 3 to 5 seconds
Encourage participant during the test
Keep seconds rest and perform at least one more squeezing
If difference between 1st and 2nd result is >10% then perform a third attempt

10. Record Record the following: Measurement time
Reason for exclusion if necessary
Which hand is the dominant
Which hand was used for the measurement
If other than dominant hand was used then also reason for this
Result of the first attempt
Result of second attempt
Result of third attempt if performed

11. Acknowledgements
Slides prepared by: Heini Wennman, Hanna Tolonen, Päivikki Koponen
Photographs: Hanna Tolonen
Measurement demonstration by voluntary participants
Experiences and feedback from the EHES network have been utilized in the preparation of these slides
Funding: Preparation of the slides is part of the activities of the EHES Coordinating Centre which has received funding from the EC/DG SANTÉ in through SANCO/2008/C2/02-SI EHES and Grand Agreement number , and in through Grand Agreement number /BRIDGE Health

12. Disclaimer
The views expressed here are those of the authors and they do not represent the Commission’s official position.