Relationship between maximum grip strength and digits dexterity: Implications for hand function assessment

Abstract

The main aim of this study was to examine the relationship between GS Max and the performance in a hand dexterity task. Twenty-four healthy adults (12 males) between 20 and 39 years of age performed the nine hole peg test (9-HPT) and the maximum grip strength test (Jamar ® hydraulic hand dynamometer). The results revealed that males were stronger than females and dominant hand was stronger than non-dominant hand. Moreover, males and females had similar performance in the 9-HPT, but both groups had better performance when using their dominant hand compared to their non-dominant one. Finally, and most importantly, the results revealed that there was no significant relationship between GS Max and individuals’ performance in the 9-HPT. The lack of relationship between them indicates that digits dexterity assessed by 9-HPT is not dependent on maximum grip strength exerted by the hand, suggesting that the evaluation of hand function should not be only based upon the results of the maximum grip strength test. Consequently, other grip strength related measures (e.g., rate of grip force development, grip force control) should be taken into consideration for hand function assessment.