Comparing the Camry dynamometer to the Jamar dynamometer for use in healthy Colombian adults

Abstract

Objective: Hand grip strength can provide an objective index of general upper strength, but hand dynamometer has not been validated for use in Colombia. The objective was to determine the interchangeability between Camry electronic and Jamar hydraulic hand grip dynamometers in a population found on the campus of the Universidad Nacional de Colombia and the elderly living in a community. Methods: This was a cross-sectional concordance study on 18-88-year-old males and females. Data regarding their demographics, health, and anthropometric variables were collected/measured and the Lin concordance correlation coefficient (CCC) along with Bland-Altman plots were used for evaluating concordance regarding both devices. Results: One hundred and thirty-three subjects participated in this study (average age 47±20.74 years-old). Right hand (RH) grip strength was 32.15 ± 9.96 kg with the Jamar dynamometer and 29.95 ± 9.18 kg with the Camry device. It is worth highlighting that the Jamar instrument presents higher values than the Camry instrument (p <0.05). CCC was only significant at the population level and for the 40-59-year-old age group. Bland-Altman plots had narrow limits of agreement. Conclusion: We concluded that the Camry dynamometer could replace the Jamar dynamometer in the 40-59-year-old age group; furthermore, it would be appropriate for medical use in patient monitoring or follow-up due to the close values observed.