Strength Measure

In Brief…

Important Values

Grip Strength

Research has shown that increased grip strength is positively correlated with decreased risk of falling 12, has been demonstrated to have a 69% prediction accuracy for motor functioning

6 months post hip fracture in combination with upper limb functioning and age 13 and has even been noted as a marker for overall fragility in elderly women.14 15

Time Loaded Stance Test

For this test, the client stands holding a 2 lb. weight at chest height with elbows extended, neutral pronation/supination. The patient is timed for how long they can hold this position. Timing stopped if they can’t maintain the test position or voluntarily set down the

weights. Maximum time for test is 2 minutes.

The task is well- tolerated and safe for the frail and oldest-old as this test is self- limiting. 16

30-second Timed Sitto- Stand

The 30 second sit to stand was initially developed as an assessment tool to assess

lower body strength in community-dwelling elderly. 17 The score is the total number of

stands executed correctly within 30 seconds. If the patient is more than halfway up at the end

of 30 seconds it is counted as a full stand.

See normative values on page: 28-29

5 Sit-to-Stand Test

The 5 sit to stand test originally has been used as a surrogate measure for lower extremity strength.

Subsequent research has suggested that it is not entirely inferring strength but may predict recurrent falls.

Interpretation: Exceeding the following scores indicates a worse than average performance:

11.4 sec

(60-9 yrs.); 12.6 sec

(70-

9 yrs.); 14.8 sec (80-9 yrs.)

18

Bicep Curl Test

The biceps or arm curl indicates arm strength & is associated with the ability of a person to

perform lifestyle tasks such as carrying heavy objects in ADLs.

See normative values on page 28-29