Understanding the Grip Strength Test: What It Means and When You Need Further Lab Checks

Ready, get set, and.....grip!

If you haven't heard about grip strength test, it's a fun way to measure your health while also do a bit of workout.

Especially if you are a gym fanatic, this test might be your thing in getting a superficial health checkup to catch up with your invisible bodily needs.

Grip strength may sound like a simple thing, just squeezing a device with your hand, but it’s actually one of the most powerful indicators of your overall health.

Doctors and wellness experts often use a grip strength test to measure muscle function, fitness level, aging progression, and sometimes even predict the risk of certain illnesses.

Why?

Because grip strength reflects much more than just hand power.

It can show whether your muscles are getting weaker, whether your nutrition is off, or whether your body is struggling with stress, inflammation, or medical conditions like diabetes, hormonal imbalance, or nerve issues.

This easy and non-invasive test takes less than a minute, but the information behind it can be surprisingly valuable.

Here we break down what the grip strength test is, how it is interpreted, and when further blood tests are recommended.

What Is the Grip Strength Test?

The grip strength test uses a device called a dynamometer.

You hold it in your hand, squeeze as hard as you can, and it measures the strength in kilograms or pounds.

It helps assess:

• Overall muscle strength

• Risk of functional decline

• Post-injury recovery

• Fitness level in athletes

• Nutritional status (especially protein and micronutrient intake)

• Biological aging and frailty

  
  

Because it requires coordination of the hand, arm, shoulders, and nerves, grip strength gives a quick snapshot of how well your body systems are functioning together.

What Affects Grip Strength?

Several factors can influence your grip test results:

• Age – Natural muscle loss occurs as we get older

• Sex – Males typically have higher grip strength

• Fitness level – Athletes tend to show higher scores

• Diet and hydration – Low protein or low electrolytes affect muscle power

• Hormones – Testosterone, thyroid hormones, and cortisol play a big role

• Neurological health – Nerve function affects grip ability

• Chronic illnesses – Diabetes, arthritis, and inflammation reduce strength

  
  

This is why the test is used widely—not just in hospitals, but also gyms, wellness clinics, and physiotherapy sessions.

How Grip Strength Is Interpreted

While normal values vary by age and sex, the test generally falls into these categories:

A. High Grip Strength (Above Average)

This means:

• Good muscle function

• Strong fitness level

• Healthy metabolism and nerve coordination

• Lower risk of falls, injury, and age-related decline

Often found in athletes or those who exercise regularly.

B. Normal Grip Strength

This indicates:

• Average muscle health

• Stable nutritional and metabolic status

• No signs of muscle weakness or frailty

Most healthy adults fall in this range.

C. Low Grip Strength

Low results may suggest:

• Poor muscle mass

• Low protein intake

• Fatigue, overtraining, or dehydration

• Nutrient deficiencies (magnesium, vitamin D, B vitamins, iron)

• Hormonal imbalance (low testosterone, thyroid problems)

• Chronic inflammation

  
  

It does not always mean disease, but it is a warning sign that something in the body may need attention.

D. Very Low Grip Strength (Significantly Below Normal)

This category often requires medical evaluation, especially if accompanied by:

• Fatigue

• Weight loss

• Weakness in legs or arms

• Slow wound healing

• Frequent illness

  
  

Very low grip strength is associated with:

• Frailty syndrome

• Sarcopenia (age-related muscle loss)

• Malnutrition

• Neurological disorders

• Diabetes complications

  
  

In these cases, further testing is strongly recommended.

When You Should Do Further Lab Tests

A low or very low grip strength result doesn’t diagnose anything by itself, but it tells you that your body might be struggling.

Depending on your symptoms and health history, a doctor may recommend several blood tests.

For Nutritional Issues

If low grip strength comes with fatigue or poor recovery:

• Vitamin D

• Vitamin B12 and B9 (Folate)

• Magnesium

• Zinc

• Iron studies (Ferritin, Hemoglobin)These help determine whether muscle weakness is caused by nutrient deficiency.

  
  

For Hormonal Imbalance

If grip weakness is accompanied by low energy, weight changes, or mood swings:

• Testosterone (total & free)

• Thyroid panel (TSH, Free T3, Free T4)

• Cortisol (AM level)Hormones play a major role in muscle strength and metabolism.

  
  

For Metabolic or Inflammatory Problems

When symptoms include joint pain, general weakness, or unexplained fatigue:

• CRP (C-reactive protein) – inflammation marker

• HbA1c – long-term blood sugar control

• Fasting glucose

• Lipid profile

• Liver and kidney function testsThese show if chronic inflammation, diabetes, or organ issues are affecting muscle strength.

  
  

For Older Adults

For individuals above 50, low grip strength is often connected to:

• Sarcopenia screening

• Bone health check (Calcium, Vitamin D)

  
  

For Athletes

Athletes with sudden grip strength drop may need:

• Electrolytes (Sodium, Potassium, Magnesium)

• CK (Creatine Kinase) to check muscle damage

• Hormonal profile to rule out overtraining

  
  

Grip strength is especially useful in monitoring athletic overreaching or recovery status.

Doctor's Message

The grip strength test is simple but reveals important information about your overall health, muscle function, nutrition, and even aging.

Strong grip strength reflects good physical condition, while low grip strength can signal nutrient deficiencies, hormonal imbalance, inflammation, or chronic illness.

The test becomes most useful when combined with proper evaluation.

If your results are below normal—especially with fatigue or weakness—further lab tests can identify the cause. Early detection leads to better performance, faster recovery, and healthier aging.

dr. Cathrine, GP, Reset Room Bali