Literature reporting normative data for muscle strength measured by hand-held dynamometry: A systematic review

This review was conducted to identify, summarize, and discuss literature purporting to present normative data for measurements obtained using a hand-held dynamometer (HHD). Relevant literature was identified through electronic searches of 4 databases: PubMed, Science Citation Index, Scopus and Cumulative Index of Nursing and Allied Health. Articles identified via the searches were reviewed to determine if they presented normative data obtained with a HHD from healthy individuals. Articles were excluded if the data were not presented within age and gender strata. Data on testing and participant specifics were retrieved. Fifteen studies presented normative data within age and gender strata for measurements obtained with a HHD. Norms were presented for neck flexion and numerous actions at the shoulder, elbow, wrist, fingers, hip, knee and ankle. Norms were presented for a wide age span-children to older adults. Many of these norms are compromised. Norms for older adults (>= 80 years) are lacking. Although norms are available, they should be used with caution. Specifics of testing and samples tested restrict the applicability of the measures.