Study Finds Weaker Grip Among Millennials

Wednesday, June 15, 2016 | 0

Grip strength, a measure used to assess the extent of hand injuries including those in workers’ comp, has on average decreased significantly among men in their 20s over the past three decades, according to a recent study.

The study, published in the Journal of Hand Therapy, found that men ages 20 to 24 had an average right-hand grip strength of 101 pounds, compared to 121 pounds in 1985. Left-hand grip strength dropped from 105 pounds in 1985 to 99 pounds among men currently in that age group, according to the study.

The decrease was even greater for men ages 25 to 29, who lost 26 pounds and 19 pounds of grip strength in their right and left hands, respectively, as compared to their 1985 counterparts.

Smaller, but significant losses in right-hand grip strength was seen among women ages 20 to 24.

The study, by researchers at Winston-Salem State University, assessed grip strength among 237 volunteers.

Study co-author Elizabeth Fain told National Public Radio that more workers today are involved in technology rather than agriculture or manufacturing as compared to 1985. Grip strengths considered the norm should be updated to reflect the changes, she said.