Anthropometric correlates of handgrip strength among Nigerian primary school pupils

Abstract

Study aim: This study investigated the interdependence of anthropometrics with handgrip strength (HGS) among Nigerian primary school pupils. Materials and methods: A total of 200 primary school pupils participated in this study. Electronic handgrip dynamometer was used to measure HGS in kg, body height and body weight were measured with a wall–mounted stadiometer in meters and bathroom weighing scale in kg respectively. In addition, forearm circumference was measured at the largest part of the forearm and maximum hand width was taken for hand circumference. 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 age correlated disproportionately but significantly (p < 0.05) with HGS. Also, body weight, BMI and handedness were found to associate proportionately and significantly with HGS. However, hand and forearm circumferences were observed to relate positively but insignificantly (p>0.05) with HGS. Conclusion: This study therefore concluded that the most important determinants of HGS among Nigerian primary school pupils are body weight, BMI and handedness and thus, could be considered as markers of nutritional and health status, as well as physical fitness of these individuals.