Original ResearchUpper Limb Strength: Study Providing Normative Data for a Clinical Handheld Dynamometer

ObjectiveTo establish normative clinical data for upper extremity strength of men and women, ages 20-64 years, using a portable clinical device, the Nicholas Manual Muscle Tester (NMMT).DesignThe study collected objective upper extremity strength data for 180 healthy men and women using the NMMT.SettingThe study was conducted in outpatient and community settings.SubjectsOne hundred eighty normal volunteers (90 men and 90 women).MethodsEleven upper extremity muscle groups were tested using standardized methodology.Main Outcome MeasurementsData were recorded for each muscle group in each subject.ResultsThis study presents data from 180 healthy, normal subjects, equally divided by gender and age. Means ± standard deviations were determined for each group and further categorized by age, gender, and hand dominance. These data confirm some expected patterns: In all the muscle groups men have significantly higher strength than women, and the dominant side is stronger than the nondominant side in men and women. Relative values for various muscle groups are analyzed and presented.ConclusionsThis study provides an initial normative database across a wide age range in men and women for upper extremity strength for monitoring clinical care and research for injured and impaired patients. These data are an essential and initial step toward comprehensive normative databases for upper extremity objective ordinal strength measurements with the NMMT.