Reference values for adult grip strength measured with a Jamar dynamometer: a descriptive meta-analysis

The purpose of this meta-analysis was to consolidate the results of studies presenting normative values for grip strength obtained with the Jamar dynamometer in accordance with the recommendations of the American Society of Hand Therapists. Relevant data from 12 sources (3317 subjects) were employed. Means and 95% confidence intervals are presented for the left and right sides of men and women in 12 age groups (20-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69, 70-74, 75+ years). The consolidated grip strength reference values offer a better standard for comparison than provided by any single study alone. Limitations in the meta-analysis notwithstanding, the lower limit of the 95% confidence interval can serve as a reasonable threshold for establishing grip strength impairment among adults. (c) 2005 Chartered Society of Physiotherapy. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.