Identification of dynapenia in older adults through the use of grip strength t‐scores |
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| Authors: | Richard W Bohannon EdD PT Susan Magasi PhD |
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| Affiliation: | 1. Physical Therapy Program, Department of Kinesiology, Neag School of Education, University of Connecticut, Storrs, Connecticut, USA;2. Department of Occupational Therapy, College of Applied Health Sciences, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA |
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| Abstract: | Introduction: The aim of this study was to generate reference values and t‐scores (1.0–2.5 standard deviations below average) for grip strength for healthy young adults and to examine the utility of t‐scores from this group for the identification of dynapenia in older adults. Methods: Our investigation was a population‐based, general community secondary analysis of cross‐sectional grip strength data utilizing the NIH Toolbox Assessment norming sample. Participants consisted of community‐dwelling adults, with age ranges of 20–40 years (n = 558) and 60–85 years (n = 390). The main outcome measure was grip strength using a Jamar plus dynamometer. Results: Maximum grip strengths were consistent over the 20–40‐year age group [men 108.0 (SD 22.6) pounds, women 65.8 (SD 14.6) pounds]. Comparison of older group grip strengths to those of the younger reference group revealed (depending on age strata) that 46.2–87.1% of older men and 50.0–82.4% of older women could be designated as dynapenic on the basis of t‐scores. Conclusions: The use of reference value t‐scores from younger adults is a promising method for determining dynapenia in older adults. Muscle Nerve 51 : 102–105, 2015 |
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| Keywords: | age hand grip dynamometer hand strength measurement muscle weakness |
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