Grip Strength ?

[guwainengle]

Has anyone ever had a grip stength test? I recently was told to have this checked because my left hand feels weker than my right. Because I am right hand dominant- should my right hand naturally be stronger? and what should be normal strenght levels and differences between the two hands?

Thanks-- G

 

[ilgal]

I was at a health fair in the spring (pre-diagnosed) and physical therapists were testing grip strength. I am in my 50's and they said I had the strength of a 75 year old. I can't remember #'s but my dominant right hand was worse and it is now almost useless--weak & atrophied. But no doc has ever tested grip strength.

 

[AAA]

I have lost the ability to grip the steering wheel with my left hand and I am right hand dominant.
Everyone is different.
I am going to miss the independence driving gave me.
I find it difficult to remain positive when I am losing a piece of myself on a daily basis.
Angie In AZ

 

[guwainengle]

I wonder what the normal grip strength levels should be as far as numbers go? I am going to see a P-T tp check my number.

G

 

[John1]

Has anyone ever had a grip stength test? I recently was told to have this checked because my left hand feels weker than my right. Because I am right hand dominant- should my right hand naturally be stronger? and what should be normal strenght levels and differences between the two hands?

Thanks-- G

G,

I am also right handed. When I was first diagnosed, over 6 years ago, both my grip strengths were a little over 100 lb with my right hand being stronger. I was tested again last year (5+ years after diagnosis) and my left hand had dropped to 80 lb and my right could still pull 100 lb. Nonetheless they are now noticeably weaker than normal and I suspect if tested today I would have dropped another 20 lb in each.

 

[guwainengle]

John- are your hands shakey at all? And is your strength still preserved in your arm muscles- and do you have any atropy? Hpw abput manuel dexterity? Also what were your first symtoms that made them diagnose you 6 years ago?

G

 

[bdyle]

G

I have been having my hand strength tested by my PT since I started with him in Jan. 06. When I started I had 125# in left hand and 100# in right hand. It has been slowly declining though, I was in Houston last Fri. at the ALS clinic for my 3 month checkup, they check it there to, I had 100# in left hand and 75# in right hand. I'm also starting to have shakes in my hands and arms to, right side worse, also in my legs, Dr. Appel said it was a sign of muscle weakening. Hope this helps you some.

Billy,

 

[John1]

John- are your hands shakey at all? And is your strength still preserved in your arm muscles- and do you have any atropy? Hpw abput manuel dexterity? Also what were your first symtoms that made them diagnose you 6 years ago?

G

G, 1. My hands don't shake.
2. My arms are noticeably weaker. I've not had them tested but items I used to lift with ease (eg. a 4 litre watering can) I now strain to lift.
3. No noticeable atrophy (to me).
4. My dexterity has decreased. For example I have difficulty manipulating my eating utensils and my piano playing (not great to start) is now much more difficult.
5. My first symptoms were speech difficulties, then swallowing and then finally leg weakness by the time I was diagnosed.

 

[guwainengle]

Thanks for the answers-- I stopped by the P-T at lunch and they left me use the machine-- My grip was 125 on the right and 105 on the left- he said that is ok for a difference between hands for the dominant hands strength. Difference is usually 20-25%. He also said for 43 years old the strentgth is relatively nornmal. I ask him about the shakes and he really didnt have an answer to that. Your answers are great for reference-- but they show both sides of the spectrum. The shakes I am getting are even when at rest or not doing anything which may take away from muscle weakness because I am not using them -- but I also have them in all limbs when trying to do things which require strength. Sometime my hands are shaking enough that I fumble around -- but have strength in them. Just another mystery. The good news is I am able to get a EMG sooner than what was planned but unfortunately with the local neuro. SO I will have one in OCT and one in Nov with the ALS Specialist. I am sure my insurance probably will throw a fit and reject one of them. But at this point-- if I have to pay for a piece of mind at an earlier date-- I will. Thanks again--

G

 

[Saubier]

Grip Strength

Grip strength is two different things; one is forearm muscles, used to curl the fingers, and the other is small muscles in the hands, used for pinching. My pinching has weakened considerably, but my forearm strength is still pretty good.
Pappy