Reproducibility and agreement between three positions for handgrip assessment

Abstract

The protocol established for taking hand grip dynamometry measurements determines that the patient must be in a sitting position. This protocol cannot be applied due to the patient’s conditions in some cases, such as abdominal surgery, musculoskeletal spine or hip injuries. The purpose was to determine the reproducibility and level of agreement between the Handgrip dynamometry in supine position with the elbow flexed or extended, and the one measured in the sitting position, the design was a descriptive cross-sectional study. The population were young apparently healthy between 18 and 30 years of age (N = 201). Handgrip measurement was performed on both upper limbs in a sitting position with a flexed elbow, a supine position with a flexed elbow, and supine position with the elbow extended. Reproducibility was nearly perfect in all positions (ICC 0.95–0.97). Regarding the level of agreement for the comparison between sitting and supine positions with a flexed elbow, an average difference of − 0.406. For supine position with an extended elbow and supine position with a flexed elbow, the average difference was − 1.479. Considering the results, clinicians or researchers can choose any of the positions evaluated herein and obtain reliable results as long as the standardization process is followed.