Authors
Jozo Grgic, Vanessa Kristina Wazny, Andrea B Maier, Brad J Schoenfeld, Zeljko Pedisic
Published in
GeroScience. Volume 48. Issue 3. Pages 4349-4371. Epub Oct 01, 2025.
Abstract
We aimed to determine reference values for handgrip strength in Europe. Data from the Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe were used, involving adults aged 50 + years. Reference values were expressed as weighted percentiles for absolute (kg) and relative (kg/m2) handgrip strength. For women, the highest absolute handgrip strength was observed among the 50-54-year-olds (standing: 5th percentile [P5] = 19 kg; 50th percentile [P50] = 29 kg; 95th percentile [P95] = 39 kg, sitting: P5 = 20 kg; P50 = 29 kg; P95 = 40 kg) and the lowest among the ≥ 90-year-olds (standing: P5 = 9 kg; P50 = 17 kg; P95 = 26 kg, sitting: P5 = 6 kg; P50 = 14 kg; P95 = 24 kg). For men, the highest absolute handgrip strength was observed among the 50-54-year-olds (standing: P5 = 30 kg; P50 = 46 kg; P95 = 62 kg, sitting: P5 = 29 kg; P50 = 46 kg; P95 = 60 kg) and the lowest among the ≥ 90-year-olds (standing: P5 = 12 kg; P50 = 27 kg; P95 = 39 kg, sitting: P5 = 10 kg; P50 = 25 kg; P95 = 37 kg). Compared with women, men had higher handgrip strength. Handgrip strength was generally higher in Northern and Western Europe compared with Southern and Central/Eastern Europe, and in the standing position compared with the sitting position. Similar patterns were found for relative handgrip strength. The reference values determined in this study can facilitate benchmarking for clinical, population health, and research purposes.
PMID:
41034601
Bibliographic data and abstract were imported from PubMed on 14 Sep 2026.
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