A CROSS SECTIONAL STUDY OF ASSOCIATION BETWEEN SELECTED HAND ANTHROPOMETRIC VARIABLES AND HANDGRIP STRENGTH IN YOUNG ADULTS: A GENDER DIFFERENCE APPROACH

Background and objectives: Isometric hand grip strength as assessed by Maximum Voluntary Contraction (MVC) is a measure of athletic talent and morbidity outcomes. The present study investigated the possible association of the hand anthropometric variables and general body characteristics with the handgrip strength among young adults and explored the difference among male and female. Methods: Hand anthropometric variables and physical characteristics were studied in 32 males (age: 19.25±1.08) and 30 females (age: 18.67±0.84) using standard methods of measurements. Statistical analysis was done by parametric test and studied parameters were correlated with Handgrip strength measured as MVC. Level of significance was considered as p<0.05 at 95% CI. Results: Body weight and body surface area was significantly correlated with handgrip strength in males. None of the hand anthropometric parameters studied was significantly correlated with the handgrip strength in males and females separately. Interpretation and Conclusion: Young adult males have higher handgrip strength than their counter part females because they are heavier and having more body surface area. Though there are significant differences in hand dimensions and anthropometry between males and females, they are not influencing the handgrip strength.