The aim of this study was to determine the accuracy and error range of hand grip strength measurement using various methods.

Methods used for measurement of hand grip strength in 34 epidemiologic studies on sarcopenia were analyzed. Maximum grip strength was measured in a sitting position with the elbow flexed at 90 degrees, the shoulder in 0 degrees flexion, and the wrist in neutral position (0 degrees). Maximum grip strength in standing position was measured with the shoulder in 180 degrees flexion, the elbow fully extended, and the wrist in neutral position (0 degrees). Three measurements were taken on each side at 30 sec intervals. The uncertainty of measurement was calculated.

The combined uncertainty in sitting position on the right and left sides was 1.14% and 0.38%, respectively, and the combined uncertainty in standing position on the right and left sides was 0.35 and 1.20, respectively. The expanded uncertainty in sitting position on the right and left sides was 2.28 and 0.79, respectively, and the expanded uncertainty in standing position on the right and left sides was 0.71 and 2.41, respectively (k=2).

Uncertainty of hand grip strength measurement was identified in this study, and a significant difference was observed between measurement. For more precise diagnosis of sarcopenia, dynamometers need to be corrected to overcome uncertainty.