These two studies evaluated whether three types of Jamar dynamometers measured equivalently. In study A, 26 subjects were tested on 2 types; in study B, 30 subjects were tested on 3 types. Both studies found significant differences between and among the dynamometers. Therapists can no longer assume that all versions of the Jamar dynamometer measure equivalently, and the differences should be taken into account when using normative data and when assessing treatment effectiveness. In the latter case, the same dynamometer must be used for pre- and posttesting.
FessE. E.MoranC. A. (1981). Clinical assessment recommendations. Indianapolis: American Society of Hand Therapists.
2.
FikeM. L.RousseauE. (1982). Measurement of adult hand strength: A comparison of two instruments. Occupational Therapy Journal of Research, 2, 43–45.
3.
GreggR. A.MastelloneA. F.GerstenJ. W. (1957). Cross exercise—A review of the literature and study using electromyographic techniques. American Journal of Physical Medicine, 36, 269–280.
4.
KellorM.FrostJ.SilberbergN.IversonI.CummingsR. (1971). Hand strength and dexterity: Norms for clinical use. American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 25, 77–83.
5.
KirkpatrickJ. E. (1956). Evaluation of grip loss: Factor of permanent disability in California. California Medicine, 85, 314–320.
6.
MathiowetzV.KashmanN.VollandG.WeberK.DoweM.RogersS. (1985). Grip and pinch strength: Normative data for adults. Archives of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, 66, 69–72.
7.
MathiowetzV.WeberK.VollandG.KashmanN. (1984). Reliability and validity of grip and pinch strength evaluations. Journal of Hand Surgery, 9A, 222–226.
8.
SchmidtR. T.ToewsJ. V. (1970). Grip strength as measured by the Jamar dynamometer. Archives of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, 51, 321–327.
9.
SwansonA. B.MatevI. B.de GrootG. (1970). The strength of the hand. Bulletin Prosthetics Research, 10, 145–153.
