Pinch Endurance in Elderly People

There are many items to measure physical functions, and assessment using a hand, such as handgrip strength, draws a great deal of interest. Pinch strength, as well as handgrip strength, can be measured in a short period of time, which makes it a common measurement method used in a clinical setting. However, there are no reports that have evaluated its endurance. Sixteen subjects (78.5±3.2 years old) living in Hiroshima city were measured their dominant hand pinch strength with maximum force for 20 seconds. The average value per second was calculated from the results. Fifteen students (21.5±0.6 years old, hereinafter referred to as the “younger group”) were also measured in the same way for comparison.