Abstract
Handgrip strength measurements, such as peak force and rate of force development (RFD), are effective parameters at characterizing the strength capacities of numerous muscle groups in the upper and lower extremities. Previous studies have determined the reliability of handgrip peak force and RFD in young, college-aged adults. However, the reliability of these measurements in older adults remains unclear. It is also unclear if these measurements are associated with performance during sit-to-stand and medicine ball throw tests. PURPOSE: The primary aim of this study was to examine the reliability of handgrip peak force and RFD measurements in older women. A secondary aim was to determine if these measurements are related to sit-to-stand peak power and medicine ball throw distance. METHODS: Twenty older women (68 ± 6 years) reported for testing on two different occasions. For each testing session, participants completed five sit-to-stands, three seated medicine ball throws, and three handgrip maximal voluntary contractions (MVCs). Estimated peak power output was measured during the sit-to-stands using a linear velocity transducer. The distance of each medicine ball throw was recorded with a tape measure. Handgrip MVCs were performed using a novel strength testing device. For each MVC, participants squeezed the handles of the device “as hard and fast as possible” for 3-4 seconds. Handgrip peak force and RFD at 0-200 milliseconds were calculated and displayed by the device at the conclusion of each contraction. The intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) and coefficient of variation (CV) were calculated between sessions to assess the reliability of handgrip peak force and RFD measurements. The relationships between these measurements and sit-to-stand peak power and medicine ball throw distance were determined by Pearson correlation coefficients (r). RESULTS: Handgrip peak force and RFD were highly consistent between sessions, with ICCs of 0.950-0.978 and CV values of 2.7-4.3%. There were significant correlations between sit-to-stand peak power and handgrip peak force (r = 0.485, P = 0.030) and RFD (r = 0.533, P = 0.015). There were also significant correlations between medicine ball throw distance and handgrip peak force (r = 0.634, P = 0.003) and RFD (r = 0.605, P = 0.005). CONCLUSION: The results of this study showed that peak force and RFD were reliable measures for assessing handgrip strength in older women. These measurements were significantly associated with sit-to-stand peak power and medicine ball throw distance and thus, may be effective variables at predicting upper- and lower-body performance.
Recommended Citation
Khartabil, Alexandra and Palmer, Ty B.
(2025)
"Reliability of Handgrip Strength Measurements and their Relationship with Physical Performance Outcomes in Older Women,"
International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings: Vol. 2:
Iss.
17, Article 39.
Available at:
https://digitalcommons.wku.edu/ijesab/vol2/iss17/39
Included in
Health and Physical Education Commons, Medical Education Commons, Sports Sciences Commons
