Abstract: Objective To explore the test-retest reliability of the computerized dynamometer to measure the grip strength in the healthy subjects and cervical radiculopathy patients, and investigate their characteristics. Methods The grip strength of 20 healthy subjects and 26 radiculopathy patients were measured with dynamometer, including the maximal voluntary grip strength at 5 width twice and the 10 s sustained isometric grip at the second width (45 mm) of the dynamometer once. Results The Intra-class correlation coefficient (ICC) was 0.947～0.989 in healthy subjects, and 0.903～0.960 in cervical radiculopathy patients. The maximal voluntary grip strength of healthy subjects was significantly stronger than that of the radiculopathy patients (P<0.05). The decrease rate of grip strength in non-dominant side, if affected, in the cervical radiculopathy patients was significantly slower than that of the healthy subject's non-dominant side (P<0.05). Conclusion The computerized dynamometer is a reliable tool to evaluate the grip strength in both healthy subjects and cervical radiculopathy patients. The grip strength of healthy subject's is stronger than of the radiculopathy patients. The endurance of grip is better in the radiculopathy patient's non-dominant side if affected.

Key words: cervical radiculopathy, grip test, test-retest reliability