Correlation of lean body mass, hand grip strength in football and cricket players: A cross-sectional study

Abstract

Background: Hand grip strength (HGS) and percentage of lean body mass has been an indicator for determining strength. Aims and Objectives: The purpose of the study was to found out for comparison of percentage of lean body mass in cricket and football player. We also have done a correlation of HGS with percentage of lean body mass in cricket and football players. Material and Methods: Total 30 healthy cricket and football players (15-25 years), from district sports academy, regularly practicing from last 3 years at university level and who do not have any abnormality of the upper arm or any neurological problem, history of fracture of hand were included. Percentage of lean body mass calculated by formula = 100 − Percentage of body fat. Percentage of body fat determined by harpendence caliper. Measurement of HGS with the help of Sahen’s hand grip digital dynamometer was done. Mean of three reading was taken as final reading. Unpaired test was applied for the comparison between cricketers and football players for the variables of percentage of lean body mass. Pearson correlation coefficient established a correlation of percentage of lean body mass with HGS. Results: It was also found that statistically there was a highly significant difference observed in percentage of lean body mass between cricket and football players and there was positive correlation observed between HGS with percentage of lean body mass in cricket and football players. Conclusion: Proper training for maintaining percentage of lean body mass and HGS will increase in HGS. It will further lead to better strength and performance in cricket and football activities.