Influence of Low BMI on Handgrip Strength, Handgrip Endurance and Hand Dexterity in School Going Children- A Pilot Study

Abstract

Introduction: The hand is the most dynamic and interactive part of the upper limb in humans and performing the complex tasks of daily living activities. The health problems due to less-than-optimal nutritional status in primary school-age children are among the most common causes of low school enrolment, high absenteeism, early dropout, and unsatisfactory classroom performance. Purpose: To compare handgrip strength, handgrip endurance, and hand dexterity in 6–12 years children with low and normal body mass index. Methodology: This pilot study was conducted among children with normal development. The age group included in the study was 6-12 years. The estimated sample 25 in each group. Participants underwent initial assessment, where height and weight were measured. To measure handgrip strength and handgrip endurance baseline hydraulic hand dynamometer and hand dexterity were assessed using a 9-hole pegboard, the participants were asked to perform three successful trials, and the mean of it was obtained. Results: Result shows that there was a significant difference between handgrip strength with BMI, with p< 0.01and no significant difference between handgrip endurance and hand dexterity with p>0.05 in children. Conclusion: The results of the current study demonstrated that 6-12-year-old children had a significant difference in handgrip strength of the dominant and non-dominant hand between low BMI and normal BMI children. With further research, it is important to find and compare the differences in a larger population. Keywords: Body mass index, dominant hand, handgrip strength, handgrip endurance, hand dexterity, non-dominant hand.