Comparison of Hand Grip Strength in Different Shoulder Positions in Geriatric Individuals: Position-Dependent Strength Analysis

May 9, 2026 updated by: Gulfidan Tokgoz, Istanbul University - Cerrahpasa

Comparison of Hand Grip Strength in Different Shoulder Positions in Geriatric Individuals: Position-Dependent Strength Analysis - A Cross-Sectional Analytical Study With Repeated Measurements

The aim of this study is to examine the relationship between hand grip strength, measured in different shoulder positions, and upper extremity muscle strength, and to reveal the clinical significance of position-dependent strength variation.

Study Overview

Status

Not yet recruiting

Conditions

Intervention / Treatment

Detailed Description

The method, device, and test position used in measuring hand grip strength can significantly affect the results. Differences in measurement protocols reduce inter-study comparability and highlight the need for standardization (Roberts et al., 2011). However, it is suggested that measurements taken outside the standard position may reflect not only maximal strength but also neuromuscular control and functional force production strategies (Solomon et al., 2020). The question of whether hand grip strength is only an indicator of distal muscle strength or whether it also provides meaningful information about shoulder and upper extremity muscle strength becomes important.

Study Type

Observational

Enrollment (Estimated)

40

Contacts and Locations

This section provides the contact details for those conducting the study, and information on where this study is being conducted.

Study Contact

Study Locations

      • Balıkesir, Turkey (Türkiye)
        • Balıkesir University
        • Contact:
        • Sub-Investigator:
          • Bilal Katipoğlu, Assoc. Prof. Dr.
        • Contact:
          • Ebru Tekin, PhD, Lecturer
          • Phone Number: 05301132479
        • Sub-Investigator:
          • Ebru Tekin, PhD, Lecturer

Participation Criteria

Researchers look for people who fit a certain description, called eligibility criteria. Some examples of these criteria are a person's general health condition or prior treatments.

Eligibility Criteria

Ages Eligible for Study

  • Older Adult

Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Yes

Sampling Method

Probability Sample

Study Population

Individuals over 65 years of age

Description

Inclusion Criteria:

  • Being 65 years of age or older
  • Being an independent volunteer living in the community
  • Being able to actively use the upper extremities
  • Having the cognitive level to understand and follow the measurement instructions
  • Providing written informed consent to participate in the study.

Exclusion Criteria:

  • Presence of severe shoulder pain or rotator cuff pathology
  • Loss of upper extremity function due to rheumatological disease
  • Presence of significant visual or vestibular impairment that may affect measurements
  • Presence of another systemic or musculoskeletal disease that may prevent the safe and accurate completion of tests
  • History of upper extremity surgery or fracture within the last 6 months
  • Failure to provide informed consent

Study Plan

This section provides details of the study plan, including how the study is designed and what the study is measuring.

How is the study designed?

Design Details

Cohorts and Interventions

Group / Cohort
Intervention / Treatment
Geriartric Indivıduals
This will be done with individuals over 65 years of age.
Hand grip strength measurements will be performed using a calibrated hydraulic hand dynamometer (JAMAR®). Measurements will be performed according to the standard protocol recommended by the American Society of Hand Therapists: the participant will be positioned in a seated position with shoulder adduction and neutral rotation, elbow 90° flexion, forearm in neutral position, and wrist 0-30° extension. Three repetitions will be performed for each position, with a 30-second rest period between repetitions to minimize fatigue, and the highest value (kg) will be used in the analysis. Hand grip strength will be assessed in four different shoulder positions: (1) standard measurement position, (2) shoulder 90° flexion, (3) shoulder 90° abduction, and (4) shoulder 30° extension. The measurement order will be randomized to minimize learning and fatigue effects. All measurements will be performed by the same researcher independent of the researcher performing the measurements.

What is the study measuring?

Primary Outcome Measures

Outcome Measure
Measure Description
Time Frame
Hand grip strength measurements
Time Frame: 1 day
Hand grip strength measurements will be performed using a calibrated hydraulic hand dynamometer (JAMAR®, Lafayette Instrument, USA). Measurements will be performed according to the standard protocol recommended by the American Society of Hand Therapists (ASHT): the participant will be positioned in a seated position with shoulder adduction and neutral rotation, elbow 90° flexion, forearm in neutral position, and wrist 0-30° extension (Fess and Moran, 1981; Roberts et al., 2011). Three repetitions will be performed for each position, with a 30-second rest period between repetitions to minimize fatigue, and the highest value (kg) will be used in the analysis. Hand grip strength will be assessed in four different shoulder positions: (1) standard measurement position, (2) shoulder 90° flexion, (3) shoulder 90° abduction, and (4) shoulder 30° extension. The measurement order will be randomized to minimize learning and fatigue effects. All measurements will be performed by the same research
1 day

Collaborators and Investigators

This is where you will find people and organizations involved with this study.

Publications and helpful links

The person responsible for entering information about the study voluntarily provides these publications. These may be about anything related to the study.

Study record dates

These dates track the progress of study record and summary results submissions to ClinicalTrials.gov. Study records and reported results are reviewed by the National Library of Medicine (NLM) to make sure they meet specific quality control standards before being posted on the public website.

Study Major Dates

Study Start (Estimated)

May 2, 2026

Primary Completion (Estimated)

May 15, 2026

Study Completion (Estimated)

August 1, 2026

Study Registration Dates

First Submitted

April 25, 2026

First Submitted That Met QC Criteria

April 25, 2026

First Posted (Actual)

May 1, 2026

Study Record Updates

Last Update Posted (Actual)

May 13, 2026

Last Update Submitted That Met QC Criteria

May 9, 2026

Last Verified

May 1, 2026

More Information

Terms related to this study

Plan for Individual participant data (IPD)

Plan to Share Individual Participant Data (IPD)?

NO

Drug and device information, study documents

Studies a U.S. FDA-regulated drug product

No

Studies a U.S. FDA-regulated device product

No

This information was retrieved directly from the website clinicaltrials.gov without any changes. If you have any requests to change, remove or update your study details, please contact register@clinicaltrials.gov. As soon as a change is implemented on clinicaltrials.gov, this will be updated automatically on our website as well.

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