Affiliations: [a] Institute of Neuroscience and
Physiology/Physiotherapy, the Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg,
Sweden | [b] Department of Paediatrics, Institute of Clinical
Sciences, the Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Sweden
Note: [] Address for correspondence: Ulla Svantesson PhD RPT, Institute
of Neuroscience and Physiology/Physiotherapy, the Sahlgrenska Academy,
University of Gothenburg, P.O. Box 455, 405 30 Gothenburg, Sweden. Tel.: +46
(0)31 786 5742; Fax: +46 (0)31 786 5723; E-mail: ulla.svantesson@gu.se
Abstract: Handgrip strength is used to evaluate hand function. Handgrip
strength may be used to assess generalized upper extremity strength and
activities of daily living. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of general
resistance training of the upper extremities on handgrip strength and to
present hand-grip strength values, measured with the
Grippit®, for young adult subjects in
Sweden. Forty one healthy subjects, 27 women and 14 men, volunteered to
participate in the study. The women's group were randomly split between a
training group (TG; n=15) and a control group (CG;
n=12). Training consisted of general resistance for the
upper extremities three times a week for 8 weeks. Values outcome measures
included maximal voluntary contraction (MVC) and sustained MVC (SMVC). A
significant difference (p<0.001) in strength was found
between the right and the left hand (8–11% when accounting for right hand
dominance. The TG showed significantly higher (p<0.05) MVC
for the right hand after training. It appears that handgrip strength may be
increased by eight weeks of general resistance training for the upper
extremities. The findings in this study support the 10% rule for a population
that is right-handed.
Keywords: Grip force evaluation, upper extremity strength, resistance training
