What can Handgrip Strength tell the Therapist about Hand Function?

Abstract

Power handgrip strength is recorded by clinicians as a quick and viable measure of hand impairment and function that can serve as a useful evaluation of hand status and treatment progress. This paper explores the procedure and reliability of measuring handgrip using different equipment. The extent of usefulness of grip strength as an indicator of structural impairment and ability measures in patient populations is questioned and the relevance of recording grip strength as part of a clinical assessment is summarised.