Relationship between anthropometrics and handgrip strength among Nigerian school children

Study aim: Was to investigate the relationship of anthropometrics with handgrip strength (HGS) among Nigerian school children.

Material and methods: A total of 200 school children participated in this study. An electronic handgrip dynamometer was used to measure handgrip strength (HGS) in kg. Body height and body weight were measured with a wall-mounted stadiometer in meters and a bathroom weighing scale in kg, respectively. Body mass index (BMI) was then calculated using the formula weight (kg)/height (m2). Also, hand span of both hands was measured from the tip of the thumb to the tip of the small finger with the hand opened as wide as possible. The distance from the distal wrist crease up to the base of the middle finger was taken for palm length and the distal wrist crease to the tip of the middle finger was considered for the measurement of hand length. However, the relationship between HGS and anthropometric parameters was analyzed using Pearson’s product moment coefficient of correlation.

Results: The outcome of this study showed that hand and palm length correlated disproportionately and insignificantly (p > 0.05) with both dominant and non-dominant HGS. Also, hand span was found to be a disproportionate correlate of HGS, though such a correlation was only significant (p < 0.05) with dominant HGS. However, BMI and handedness were observed to associate proportionately and significantly (p < 0.05) with HGS.

Conclusion: This study therefore concluded that the most important determinants of HGS among Nigerian school children are BMI, handedness and hand span, and thus could be considered as markers of nutritional and health status, as well as physical fitness of these individuals.