Validating the Use of Sphygmomanometer for Measuring Hand Grip Strength and Its Association with Functional Dependency in Older Females

Abstract

Objective: With global aging, older adults with functional decline is expected to increase. There is a need for simple and valid tools to assess functional decline that can be applied to different settings. The measurement of hand grip strength (HGS) remains a valuable objective tool that can overcome the barriers of self-reported ones. However, use of dynamometer is greatly limited to specialized geriatrics and rehabilitation services in low-resource countries, creating an increasing demand for alternative devices. The aim was to validate the use of a sphygmomanometer for measuring HGS and to determine its association with functional dependency in older females. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study included 100 females aged =60 years, recruited from the outpatient clinics and from the caregivers of the inpatients and were subjected to comprehensive geriatric assessment, including functional assessment: activities of daily living (ADL), instrumental ADL (IADL), incidental and planned questionnaire week version, short physical performance battery, and HGS measurements using a Jamar dynamometer and sphygmomanometer. Results: A significant correlation was found between HGS measured by sphygmomanometer and Jamar dynamometer. A conversion equation of the sphygmomanometer readings into Jamar readings was obtained. The recommended cut-off value to predict ADL dependency was =9 for HGS by Jamar with sensitivity 81.4% and specificity 57.9%, while it was =60 mmHg sphygmomanometer with a sensitivity of 58.14% and specificity of 78.9%. Conclusion: The use of a sphygmomanometer for HGS measurements is an acceptable alternative to the Jamar dynamometer. It can predict ADL and IADL dependency in older females.