Reference values for handgrip strength in Europe: analysis of individual participant data from 27 countries

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/m 2 ) 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.