Grip/Pinch Strength

Overview

Uses a device called a dynamometer (for grip) and pinch gauge (for pinch) to measure force in pounds/kilograms
This measurement helps evaluate:
- Hand function
- Strength
- Is usually performed at initial evaluation and during course of treatment to assess progress
The test is usually performed with the patient's elbow at 90 degrees with them seated in a chair
The dynamometer and pinch gauge measure isometric force
- This is when the muscles are contracting without changing its length
- People usually generate more force during concentric and eccentric contractions, so grip and pinch strength tests might not fully reflect the true force a patient can produce, such as during functional tasks

Types of Pinches

Three-jaw chuck:
- Involves the index and middle fingers being placed on top of the pinch gauge and the thumb underneath
- This pinch is commonly used for holding small objects
- Also called palmar pinch, 3-jaw chuck, or 3JC
Two-point pinch:
- Involves the index finger being placed on top of the pinch gauge and the thumb underneath
  - Is the same as three-jaw chuck but without the middle finger
- This pinch is commonly used for precision movements such as picking up small objects
- Also called tip-to-tip pinch or 2PC
Lateral pinch:
- Involves the thumb being placed on top of the pinch gauge and the side of the index finger being underneath
- This pinch mimics the function of holding a key
- Also called key pinch

Three-jaw chuck

Two-point pinch

ResearchGate. Diagram displaying the different pinches. https://www.researchgate.net/figure/Diagram-displaying-the-pulp-2-pinch-technique_fig2_299409875.

Lateral pinch

Contraindications

Early stages of healing
- Such as post-surgery, post-fracture, etc.
Severe pain