NHANES procedure
An adjustable hand dynamometer is required. The NHANES procedure includes a practice squeeze, then three recorded attempts per hand, alternating hands, with 60 seconds between attempts on the same hand. Record seated or standing position for useful repeat comparisons.
Results reported
The best valid attempt is shown for each tested hand. The combined measure is the sum of those two best readings and appears only when both hands were tested. A best single-hand reading and this combined measure are different and must not be compared as though they were the same.
Pounds convert internally with kg = lb ÷ 2.2046226218487757. No percentile or “weak/normal/strong” label is shown: the linked variable documentation is not a ready-to-use compatible percentile table.
CDC NHANES grip-test protocol and variable definition.
Safety: Have another person close enough to assist. Stop if the person becomes unsteady, needs support, or has concerning symptoms. This educational recording tool is not a diagnosis and does not predict whether a particular person will fall.