Morphological and Functional Aspects of Hand in Relation to Age, Gender and Sports Playing Condition

Abstract

Aim: This cross-sectional study was performed to investigate the hand anthropometric measurements and grip strength of children in three age groups. Methods: 546 children participated in the study and grouped as little (9-11years), youth (12-14years), junior (15-18years). A digital compass with a resolution of 0.01 mm was used for hand anthropometric measurements and a digital hand dynamometer was used for grip strength measurement. Hand dimensions and hand grip strength of both hands were measured. Eight parameters were evaluated for each hand. Results: Hand width values measured from little females and little males and youth males were not statistically significant in sporting and non-sporting groups. There was a statistically significant difference for both hand length of little males and junior males between sporting and non-sporting groups. When shape index values of right and left hands were compared for both groups there was a statistically significant difference for little males and females whereas there was a statistically significant difference in youth females and junior females values compared for sports playing condition. When palmar length/width ratio values were evaluated there was a statistically significant difference between sporting and non-sporting groups in little males for both hands and in junior males for right hand. When grip strength values were evaluated there was a statistically significant difference between sporting and non-sporting groups in little males for both hands and in junior males for right hand. Conclusion: These findings stress the morphological and functional differences of hand according to age, gender and sports playing condition.