Grip strength refers to the force exerted by the muscles in the hand and forearm when gripping or holding an object. It is an important measure of overall physical fitness and can indicate a person's health status. Strong grip strength is often associated with better muscle function and can be a predictor of longevity and physical performance. Measuring grip strength is commonly done using a device called a dynamometer. This tool assesses how much force a person can apply when squeezing it. Grip strength can be influenced by factors such as age, gender, and physical activity levels, making it a useful metric in various health assessments.