GripAble: an accurate, sensitive and robust digital device for measuring grip strength
Author(s)
Mace, Michael
Mutalib, Sharah Abdul
Ogrinc, Matjaz
Goldsmith, Nicola
Burdet, Etienne
Type
Journal Article
Abstract
Introduction: Grip strength is a reliable biomarker of overall health and physiological well-being. It is widely used in clinical practice as an outcome measure. This paper demonstrates the measurement characteristics of GripAble, a wireless mobile handgrip device that measures grip force both isometrically and elastically-resisted for assessment and training of hand function. Methods: A series of bench tests were performed to evaluate GripAble's grip force measurement accuracy and sensitivity. Measurement robustness was evaluated through repeated drop tests interwoven with error verification test phases. Results: GripAble's absolute measurement error at the central position was under 0.81 and 1.67 kg (95th percentiles; N = 47) when measuring elastically and isometrically, respectively, providing similar or better accuracy than the industry-standard Jamar device. Sensitivity was measured as 0.062 ± 0.015 kg (mean ± std; 95th percentiles: [0.036, 0.089] kg; N = 47), independent of the applied force. There was no significant performance degradation following impact from 30 drops from a height >1.5 m. Conclusion: GripAble is an accurate and reliable grip strength dynamometer. It is highly sensitive and robust, which in combination with other novel features (e.g. portability, telerehabilitation and digital data tracking) enable broad applicability in a range of clinical caseloads and environments.
Date Issued
2022-03-01
Date Acceptance
2022-01-20
Citation
Journal of Rehabilitation and Assistive Technologies Engineering, 2022, 9, pp.1-12
ISSN
2055-6683
Publisher
SAGE Publications
Start Page
1
End Page
12
Journal / Book Title
Journal of Rehabilitation and Assistive Technologies Engineering
Volume
9
Copyright Statement
© The Author(s) 2022. This article is distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 License (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/) which permits non-commercial use, reproduction and distribution of the work without further permission provided the original work is attributed as specified on the SAGE and Open Access pages (https://us.sagepub.com/en-us/nam/open-access-at-sage).
License URL
Identifier
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/35251685
PII: 10.1177_20556683221078455
Subjects
Grip strength
GripAble
Jamar
assessment
dynamometry
force sensing
hand therapy
home-based rehabilitation
neurorehabilitation
occupational therapy
physiotherapy
telerehabilitation
Publication Status
Published
Coverage Spatial
England
Date Publish Online
2022-03-01