The Relationship Between Elbow Position and Grip Strength

Forty-six graduate students participated in a study to investigate the effect of elbow position on grip-strength measurements. Sixteen males and 30 females, aged 21 to 46 years, participated in the study. Data collection procedures followed standardized grip-strength testing guidelines established by the American Society of Hand Therapists, with the exception of elbow position. Grip-strength measurements were taken with the elbow positioned at 0 degree, 45 degrees, 90 degrees, and 135 degrees of flexion. The results showed a significantly stronger grip-strength measurement at 0 degree of flexion and the weakest grip-strength measurement at 135 degrees of flexion. This study supports the use of a standardized method for hand-strength testing. The knowledge that grip-strength measurement is highest when the elbow is fully extended could affect treatment planning.