A new versatile hand dynamometer.

This paper describes the design and testing of a new hand strain-gauge based dynamometer. The design is portable and capable of measuring grip strengths from 12.5 to 800N. The dynamometer is independent of point of application of the grip force. Finite element modelling and experimental testing were used to verify the mechanical system's suitability. The dynamometer was designed for input to a PDA to allow full portability of the device.