Relation between handgrip strength, upper limb disability and handicap among elderly women

Abstract

Age-related reductions in physical performance are important when thresholds required for independent activity are approached. Much rehabilitation aims to alleviate disability by improving physical performance (e.g. range of movement or strength), but information about the relation between impairments and disabilities and about the levels of relevant thresholds is very limited. This study aimed to examine the relation between impairment of handgrip strength, dexterity disability and handicap. Eighteen female day centre clients (mean age 78.9, SD 9.9 years) were assessed using the following measurements: a handgrip dynamometer, a standarized task of moving a saucepan of different weights, the Office of Population Censuses and Surveys' scale of severity of dexterity disability and self-perceived health status using the Nottingham Health Profile. Strong correlations were observed between impairment of handgrip force and dexterity (r = —0.7251, P <0.001), but not between impairment/disability and handicap variables. A threshold effect was observed: four out of 18 subjects with a low handgrip strength per total forearm volume (<0.10 N/ml) were unable to perform a saucepan task and had low dexterity ability. The impact of a training regimen directed towards improving the handgrip force of those approaching the threshold required for independent activity should be evaluated.