Sep 13, 2025
1:00 PM2:00 PM
Poster Session
P173
DYNAMOMETERS: DOES THE DEVICE MAKE THE DIFFERENCE?
L. De Carli1,*, A. Collo2
1Clinical Nutrition, ASL Città di Torino, Turin, 2Clinical Nutrition, Ospedale Maggiore di Novara, Novara, Italy
Rationale: According to EWGSOP2 consensus, lower muscle strength has a strongly predictive value
for the diagnosis of sarcopenia, then to be confirmed by muscle mass loss (through DEXA
or bioimpedance analysis) and graded by performance tests (such as SPPB). In this
sense, the handgrip is defined as a pre diagnostic tool, however the test reliability may be
affected by several factors related to device and subject features, as well as the
administration protocol.To evaluate differences among dynamometer models in terms of: measurement method
(mechanical or hydraulic type), weight, sensitivity, and ergonomics such as adjustability,
shape, and grip type (all affecting the weight relief point on the wrist).
Methods: Comparison among specifications reported in the technical data sheets of most common
dynamometer models used in international scientific literature.
Results: Ten dynamometers were evaluated. Relevant features are shown in Table 1.
Image:
Conclusion: Heterogeneity in dynamometer design and operativity may affect the measurements
comparability among different patients, so that reliable cross-sectional comparisons
among cohorts and studies should be assessed through the same device type. Otherwise,
in a prospective view, repeated measurements in the same subject (or cohort) with the
same device, regardless of the model, remains an effective method of monitoring for
muscle strength and, therefore, sarcopenia risk. These data underline the importance of
specifying the type of device used in each study; further studies would also be desirable to
provide guidance on the type of instrument to be used for a correct interpretation of the
results.
References: l Cruz-Jentoft AJ, et Al. Age Ageing. 2019
l Lee SH, et Al. J Bone Metab. 2020
Disclosure of Interest: None declared