Mixed
Handgrip strength reference values for European adults aged 50+ vary significantly by age, sex, and geographic region, with Northern and Western Europe showing higher absolute strength than Southern and Central/Eastern Europe, and standing position yielding higher values than sitting.
If you are over 50, do not compare your handgrip strength to a generic global average. Use the specific reference values for your age group, sex, and European region (Northern, Western, Southern, or Central/Eastern) to accurately assess your muscle health. Standing grip is typically higher than sitting; ensure you are comparing like with like.
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.
Why this rating
Large-scale, multi-country observational study (n > 58,000) with robust statistical weighting, though observational in nature.
Source
Reference values for handgrip strength in Europe: analysis of individual participant data from 27 countries
Jozo Grgić et al. · GeroScience · 2025
DOI 10.1007/s11357-025-01919-9
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