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Handgrip Strength in Young Adults: Association with Anthropometric Variables and Laterality

Author

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  • Luciana Zaccagni

    (Department of Biomedical and Specialty Surgical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Pharmacy and Prevention, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
    Biomedical Sport Studies Center, University of Ferrara, 44123 Ferrara, Italy)

  • Stefania Toselli

    (Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Science, University of Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy)

  • Barbara Bramanti

    (Department of Biomedical and Specialty Surgical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Pharmacy and Prevention, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
    University Center for Studies on Gender Medicine, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy)

  • Emanuela Gualdi-Russo

    (Department of Biomedical and Specialty Surgical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Pharmacy and Prevention, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy)

  • Jessica Mongillo

    (Department of Biomedical and Specialty Surgical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Pharmacy and Prevention, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy)

  • Natascia Rinaldo

    (Department of Biomedical and Specialty Surgical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Pharmacy and Prevention, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy)

Abstract

The measurement of handgrip strength (HGS) is an indicator of an individual’s overall strength and can serve as a predictor of morbidity and mortality. This study aims to investigate whether HGS is associated with handedness in young adults and if it is influenced by anthropometric characteristics, body composition, and sport-related parameters. We conducted a cross-sectional study on a sample of 544 young Italian adults aged 18–30 years. We measured HGS using a dynamometer and collected data on handedness and physical activity, along with anthropometric measurements. In both sexes, the HGS of the dominant side was significantly greater than that of the non-dominant side. Furthermore, in ambidextrous individuals, the right hand was stronger than the left. A comparison between the lowest and the highest tercile of HGS highlighted its significant association with anthropometric and body composition parameters in both sexes. Moreover, sex, dominant upper arm muscle area, arm fat index, fat mass, and fat-free mass were found to be significant predictors of HGS by multiple regression analysis. Our findings suggest that HGS is especially influenced by body composition parameters and handedness category. Therefore, HGS can be used as a proxy for unhealthy conditions with impairment of muscle mass, provided that the dominance in the laterality of the subject under examination is taken into account.

Suggested Citation

  • Luciana Zaccagni & Stefania Toselli & Barbara Bramanti & Emanuela Gualdi-Russo & Jessica Mongillo & Natascia Rinaldo, 2020. "Handgrip Strength in Young Adults: Association with Anthropometric Variables and Laterality," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(12), pages 1-18, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:17:y:2020:i:12:p:4273-:d:371705
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Emanuela Gualdi-Russo & Natascia Rinaldo & Alba Pasini & Luciana Zaccagni, 2019. "Hand Preference and Performance in Basketball Tasks," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 16(22), pages 1-11, November.
    2. Malina, R.M. & Zavaleta, A.N. & Little, B.B., 1987. "Body size, fatness, and leanness of Mexican American children in Brownsville, Texas: Changes between 1972 and 1983," American Journal of Public Health, American Public Health Association, vol. 77(5), pages 573-577.
    3. Stefania Toselli & Georgian Badicu & Laura Bragonzoni & Federico Spiga & Paolo Mazzuca & Francesco Campa, 2020. "Comparison of the Effect of Different Resistance Training Frequencies on Phase Angle and Handgrip Strength in Obese Women: A Randomized Controlled Trial," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(4), pages 1-10, February.
    4. David Johnston & Michael Nicholls & Manisha Shah & Michael Shields, 2009. "Nature’s experiment? Handedness and early childhood development," Demography, Springer;Population Association of America (PAA), vol. 46(2), pages 281-301, May.
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    3. Stanley Kagunda Kinuthia & Gareth Stratton & Lucy Joy Wachira & Victor Okoth & George Evans Owino & Sophie Ochola & Amie Bethan Richards & Festus Kiplamai & Vincent Onywera & Nils Swindell, 2025. "Differences Between Health- and Skill-Related Physical Fitness Profiles of Kenyan Children from Urban and Rural Areas: The Kenya-LINX Project," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 22(4), pages 1-16, April.
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