Relation between Hand Grip Strength and Body Composition Associated with Cardiovascular Risk in University Students

Abstract

The measurement of Hand Grip Strength (HGS) is one of the methods for evaluating the maximum isometric strength of the hand and forearm muscles, that is related to predictive factors of health conditions of people. In addition, this is an indicator that relates the physical condition of young people with their Body Composition (BC), identifying Cardiovascular Risk (CR) factors in the university population. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to relate the HGS and the BC associated with the CR in the Students of Elective Course of Physical Activity and Sports (SECPAS) of the Pontificia Javeriana University (PJU) Bogota, D.C. Colombia. METHODS: Descriptive correlational study, which 91 students aged an average of 22,5±4,5 years old, were assessed n=40 (44%) males and n=51 (56%) females. To evaluate the HGS was used an hydraulic hand dynamometer owner´s manual JAMAR®, it was registered two measurements of Right Hand (RH) and Left Hand (LH) in seated position, using the best result for analysis. A bioelectrical impedance scale OMROM® HBF-510LA, was used to evaluate the BC, which shows the percentage of Body Fat (BF) and Skeletal Muscle (SM). RESULTS: Values of HGS for RH and LH were compared, demonstrating that in the RH were higher than the LH for both genders, the difference of HGS was 8.4% (4.5 kg). For 78% of students (n=71), are in an average classification of low HGS for the population. BC shows that the BF was classified as high, 24.2% (n=22) and very high, 35.2% (n=32) for both genders. It was evidenced that the BF of females 23.1% (n=21) was classified as very high in comparison to males, 12.1% (n=11). The SM, had a behavior classified as normal 65.9% (n=60), with a trend to the lower limit of SM with low level in males 62.5% (n=25), according to OMRON® parameters. CONCLUSION: For males, was found a relation between HGS and BC, lower SM, greater BF and less HGS, become predisposing factors to develop CR. On the other hand, females showed a normal SM, higher BF and less HGS, it looks apparently normal, but hides a healthy appearance that prevents the CR control. Those indicators are useful to reorient the objectives of integral formation towards create healthy habits to SECPAS.