NCT07408986

Reference Values and Reliability of Handgrip Strength Assessment Using a Digital Dynamometer in Healthy Adolescents and Other Populations: A Pilot Observational Study

• Status: Completed
• Phase: —
• Study type: Observational
• Enrollment: 50 (actual)
• Sponsor: University of Extremadura · Academic / Other
• Sex: All
• Age: —
• Healthy volunteers: Accepted

Summary

his study aims to establish reference values and examine the reliability of handgrip strength assessment using a digital dynamometer (VALD DynaMo) in healthy adolescents. Participants will undergo standardized strength evaluations of upper and lower limbs, following international testing guidelines. Descriptive variables such as age, sex, height, weight, hand dominance, and physical activity level will also be recorded. The results will contribute to developing normative data and validating the use of portable dynamometry for musculoskeletal health assessment, with potential future applications in clinical populations.

Detailed description

Muscle strength is a key indicator of musculoskeletal health and functional capacity across the lifespan. Handgrip strength, in particular, is widely recognized as a simple and reliable marker of overall strength and health status. However, normative reference values vary across populations, and limited data exist for adolescents in local or regional contexts. This observational study will collect handgrip and lower limb strength data using the VALD DynaMo portable dynamometer. The measurements will follow standardized testing positions (American Society of Hand Therapists protocol) to ensure reliability and comparability. The project will also serve as a pilot for future research on populations with musculoskeletal, neurological, or oncological conditions, where muscle strength is often compromised. Participation is voluntary, non-invasive, and without associated risk. All data will be anonymized and stored securely for research purposes only.

Conditions

• Muscle Strength
• Reliability
• Digital Handgrip Dynamometry
• Adolescents
• Healthy Participants

Interventions

Type	Name	Description
DIAGNOSTIC_TEST	Muscle Strength Assessment using Digital Handheld Dynamometry (VALD Dynamo®)	All participants (healthy or clinical) will perform standardized muscle strength tests using the VALD Dynamo® digital dynamometer. For upper limb assessments, the protocol will follow the American Society of Hand Therapists (ASHT) recommendations (shoulder neutral, elbow 90°, forearm neutral, wrist 0-30° extension, 0-15° ulnar deviation). Lower limb tests will include validated isometric protocols for major muscle groups (quadriceps, hamstrings, hip abductors/adductors). Each test will include three maximal voluntary contractions (3 seconds each) with 60 seconds of rest between trials. Data will be used to analyze intra- and inter-session reliability, normative reference values, and potential clinical applicability.

Timeline

• Start date: 2025-11-06
• Primary completion: 2025-11-06
• Completion: 2026-01-31
• First posted: 2026-02-13
• Last updated: 2026-02-13

Locations

1 site across 1 country: Spain