An Exploration of Hand Strength and Sensation in Community Elders

The purpose of this study was to begin to obtain normative data on the physical properties of hand strength and touch-pressure sensation among community-dwelling elderly. Grip strength, pinch strength, and touch-pressure sensation were tested in 82 individuals between the ages of 70 and 98 years from 2 urban senior centers in New York City. The average scores for grip and pinch were stronger for the men than the women; there was a noteworthy decline in hand strength after the age of 82 years for men and women. Touch-pressure hand sensation scores showed diminished light touch sensation (3.61) for the majority of the subjects in both the end-stage tests sites innervated by the median or ulnar nerves of the hand regardless of age or gender.