Australian Norms for Hand and Finger Strength of Boys and Girls Aged 5–12 Years

Two hundred and fourteen subjects aged 5–12 years were tested for hand and finger strength using a Jamar dynamometer and a Pinsco pinchmeter. Means and standard deviations for seven separate strength measurements were recorded, for the (R) hand and (L) hand of each child, providing initial data for the hand and finger strength of Australian children. Increasing strength was significantly correlated with an increase in age and to a lesser extent with an increase in weight. Superior male strength was significant for many strength scores, but dominance was found not to be important for this population. Comparison of one strength score with similar studies on American populations showed Australian subjects to be stronger, and the statistical significance of this population difference is currently being tested.