Pneumatic Grip Strength Dynamometer
The Baseline squeeze (bulb) dynamometer is a simple device for measuring grip strength measuring changes in air pressure. A sphygmomanometer, commonly used for measuring blood pressure, can also be used. See more about grip dynamometers.
Features
- This is a simple and cheap dynamometer
- Small and easy to use.
- Measurement is based on air pressure changes (pneumatics). Unit is calibrated in PSI (pounds-per-square inch).
- There is a maximum force indicator on the analog dial that remains at the maximum reading until reset.
- There is a 15psi or 30psi version by Baseline
Sphygmomanometer Method
A method using a sphygmomanometer has been used in the past if no specific hand grip dynamometer is available. The Lansbury method, consisted of a sphygmomanometer cuff folded twice and inflated to 20 mmHg. Hamilton et al. (1992) used the method of rolling the sphygmomanometer cuff evenly, forming a circumference of approximately 7 inches to conform with a normal functional hand position for grip. A rubber band is placed around each end of the cuff to hold it in position. The cuff is then inflated to 20 mmHg, which was the starting position for measurement. The sphygmomanometer measurement scale is mmHg.
A study by Hamilton et al. (1992) showed that a sphygmomanometer demonstrated good within-instrument reliability, and was valid for measuring grip strength when using a conversion formula that was developed.
Purchase
See our list of Blood Pressure Monitors. Also see our list of hand grip dynamometers on Amazon.
References
- Hamilton GF, McDonald C, Chenier TC., Measurement of grip strength: validity and reliability of the sphygmomanometer and jamar grip dynamometer. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther. 1992;16(5):215-9.
Related Pages
- More grip dynamometers.
- Grip strength norms
- Video examples of the Handgrip Strength Test
- Calibrating Handgrip Dynamometers
- There are some grip strength test results of athletes.
- List of other strength and power tests.
Any comments, suggestions, or corrections? Please let us know.
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