An estimation of isometric grip strength capability of elderly population of Turkey

Abstract

The ability to perform daily tasks and industrial work are highly dependent on the capacity of the hands. Grip strength gives information on overall hand functioning. Since grip strength is reduced with the age, it significantly and adversely affects daily activities of the elderly people. This is true especially when they interact with products requiring grip strength. Hence, to make the lives of elderly people easier and more comfortable, the product designers need the strength data of elderly. As far as we know from the literature, there is no such study for the elderly population of Turkey. Therefore, it is a need to establish such database for the elderly population of Turkey. The main aim of this study is to estimate the isometric grip strength values of elderly (over 70) people of Turkey. Secondery aims are: investigating the effects of gender, age, height, weight and occupation on grip strength and comparing the strength data of elderly population of Turkey with the strength data of population of other countries. For the purpose, 251 elderly participants (composed of 126 Males & 125 Females) aged from 70 to 98 were recruited. As a result of study, grip strength of the elderly population of Turkey was estimated. In agreement with other studies, male subjects were found stronger than female subjects for each age group. Age was the most important factor affecting hand grip strength of both genders. Occupation did not significantly affect the grip strength. On the other hand, BMI had significant effect on male grip strength while height was found significantly correlated with grip strength response for both genders. There was also a significant and positive relationship between grip strength and hand length and hand breadth for both genders. Grip strength of elderly population of Turkey was found significantly lower compared to some of world populations and the same or significantly higher compared to some other world populations.