Importance of Hand Grip Testing

In professional sports, hand grip strength is a predictor of many forms of muscular strength – including both upper/lower body strength and muscular endurance.

The how to measure hand strength accurately is important in all of these examples. One important element in achieving accurate results when measuring hand grip strength is a strict adherence to testing protocols. The other element that is crucial when measuring hand grip strength is choosing the best hand dynamometer.

When looking for a hand dynamometer for our physical therapy clinic we had some parameters in mind. We wanted a hand dynamometer that was:

1. Easy to use and read results
2. Had applicable software capabilities to store results and create comparisons
3. Had WiFi capability in order to use in any area of the clinic

When researching we found that the MicroFET 2 met all of our criteria and we use it across a diverse set of physical therapy populations.

Some of the therapy populations the MicroFET 2 can be used for are:

• Stroke patients: Studies have shown that hand strength is a good indicator of arm function. Using a hand dynamometer, we’re able to find a baseline and track progress.
• Rheumatoid Arthritis: Rheumatoid Arthritis is a disease associated with functional anomalies of the hands and a consequent reduction in muscular strength. As with stroke patients, it’s important to establish a baseline of strength and track treatment progress.
• Heart Disease: A study, Effects of Isometric Exercise on Cardiac Performance, published in the American Heart Association Journals, found that measuring hand strength while a patient performs an isometric exercise (sustained handgrip) provides an evaluation of left ventricular reserve.
• Carpal Tunnel: Grip strength can be dramatically reduced by Carpal Tunnel Syndrome and testing can help confirm diagnosis. After a patient has had carpal tunnel surgery, it’s important to evaluate hand grip strength in order to asses and accurately track progress in physical therapy.
• Thoracic Outlet Syndrome: When patients are experiencing symptoms associated with Thoracic Outlet Syndrome, it’s important to test using a hand grip strength test to evaluate the hands for evidence of muscular atrophy and weakness.