How to Test the Strength of a Jamar Grip in Position 2

Grip strength is important for many daily activities like eating, dressing, driving, lifting and carrying. It is often overlooked in strengthening programs until the weakness starts to interfere with day-to-day function. Grip strength norms vary based on age and sex. The JAMAR grip dynamometer is a device that measures grip strength. The handle is squeezed and hydraulic pressure moves the needle on the dial. The handle itself does not move. There are five hand positions available to accommodate different sized hands, however position 2 is most commonly used for testing.

Instructions

• 1

  Instruct the patient to sit upright with his elbows at his side, bent to 90 degrees. Put the handle in the second position and turn the gauge to zero.

• 2

  Hold the dynamometer with the dial facing you and instruct the patient to grasp the handle with his right hand. Tell him to squeeze as hard as he can. Encourage him verbally as he does this. Instruct the patient to relax when the pressure on the gauge needle is no longer moving upward. Record this measurement and return the gauge needle to zero.

• 3

  Repeat this procedure for the left hand. Record three measurements for each hand, then calculate the average for each hand. Designate whether the measurement was taking in pounds or kilograms--both are available on the JAMAR dynamometer.