Tests of Muscular Strength The strength of a muscle or group of muscles, or the muscular strength of the entire body, may be estimated by using an apparatus which is arranged to allow the muscles to pull against a dynamometer. The strength of the hand grip, the leg extensors and the back are easily measured using this method. The strength of muscles activating other joints of the body can be measured by observations of the amount of tension which can be applied to a cable appropriately placed for specified movements. The strength of the arms may be estimated by determining the number of chins on a high bar or push-ups from the floor. However, when the performance is improved so that more than 10 or so chins or push-ups can be achieved in succession, the test becomes more a measure of endurance. The various measures of strength may be combined into an index which becomes a convenient tool for measuring the present strength of an individual and for measuring the effectiveness of a strength building program.Hand grip strength in young men averages 119 pounds. Strength scores increase with age until 25 years and then decrease. At 60 years of age the decline in grip strength is 16.5 per cent from maximum. Leg strength of young men measured in a seated position and pushing against a foot pedal averages 565 pounds, and is directly related to body weight. Maintenance of muscular force, or strength endurance, is significantly correlated with maximum strength.		Home Components of Physical Fitness Clinical Examination Differences Between Fit and Unfit Men Physiological Elements of Fitness The Step Test The Effects of Training on the Physiological Systems Work Output Physical Condition of Muscle Application of Muscular Force Maintaining Optimum Strength Tests of Muscular Strength Strength and appearance Strength as a measure of physical fitness Strength as affected by organic problems Strength as prophylaxis Role of inactivity in production of disease Lack of Sociability in Work Lactic Acid System Muscular Form Capillary Growth Heart Size Heart Rate Training produces physicochemical changes Muscular Strength Nervous Stimulation and Muscular Strength Quality of Champions Factors Which Limit Skill Blood Supply Kinesthesis Balance Reaction Time Skill Muscular Tension Visual Aim Skill Center in the Brain Endurance for Exhaustive and Moderate Work Distribution of Energy