Hand Anthropometric Measurements Research Articles

Influence of body and hand anthropometric characteristics on handgrip strength in young Nigerian women

Background and aimWomen are well known for having lower handgrip strength (HGS) compared to men. However, factors contributing to lower HGS in women remain unclear. This study investigated the influence of body and hand anthropometric characteristics (HAC) on HGS among young Nigerian undergraduate women.MethodsApparently healthy 500 young female adults from a Nigerian University were recruited conveniently. Age and physical characteristics were recorded. Right and left (R&L) HGS were measured using an electronic dynamometer. HAC including R&L arm girth (ArG), forearm girth (FaG), wrist girth (WrG), finger span (FSp), finger breath (FBr), finger length (FLg) and palm length (PLg) were measured. Data were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Alpha level was set at p < 0.05.ResultsThe mean age of the participants was 22.46 ± 3.72 years. Age and body mass index (BMI) contributed about 20.0 and 12.0% to the prediction of HGS, respectively. Similarly, R&L HAC: ArG, FaG, WrG, FSp, FBr, FLg and PLg contributed about 22.8 and 14.8% to the prediction of HGS, respectively. Significant correlations occurred between HGS and each of BMI, R&L HAC (p < .05). Furthermore, significant correlations were also found between age and each of R&L HAC (p < .001).ConclusionsAge, BMI and HAC have significant influence on the HGS of young Nigerian undergraduate women. Hence, physical factors such as weight, height, BMI, and hand anthropometric measurements are recommended as part of routine assessment for effective rehabilitation plans in the care of women with hand disability or poor hand function.

Correlation of Different Anthropometric Measurements of Hand and Grip Strength in the Adult Female Bangladeshi Garment Workers

Background: A reliable and valid measurement of hand anthropometry is important for designing dimensionally compatible hand tools, gloves and hand-held devices. Hand grip strength is accepted as an objective index for the functional integrity of upper extremity. The estimation of hand grip strength is of immense importance in determining the efficacy of different treatment strategies, treatment outcome and hand rehabilitation. The present study was planned to determine the various dimensions of hands, average hand grip strength of adult Bangladeshi female garment workers and the relationship between hand grip strength and different anthropometric measurements of hand. Material and Methods: Two hundred female garment workers of 20-25 years of age were selected by purposive non random sampling from five different garment factories of Dhaka and Narayangonj city. Different dimensions of both hands were measured directly with the help of digital slide caliper and flexible wire. Hand grip strength of both hands was measured by Smedley’s Hand Grip Strength Dynamometer. Result : Body height, weight, BMI, hand length and hand breadth of adult Bangladeshi garments workers showed positive correlation with hand grip strength, but only significant positive correlation was found between hand length and grip strength of right hand (r=+0.197, P&lt;0.05) and left hand (r=+0.405, P&lt;0.001). Conclusion: Significant positive correlation was found between hand anthropometry such as hand length, hand breadth and hand grip strength in adult Bangladeshi female garment workers. J Shaheed Suhrawardy Med Coll 2021; 13(2): 171-176

EFFECT OF HAND ANTHROPOMETRY INDICES ON THE MEASUREMENT OF HAND GRIP STRENGTH USING A HANDHELD DYNAMOMETER IN YOUNG ASIAN MALES

Hand grip strength is a measure of one’s muscle strength of the hand and forearm. It also indicates one’s general physical fitness. Hand grip strength is measured using a handheld dynamometer and this procedure can be affected by one’s hand anthropometry. Hand size and shape can be affected by one’s race and ethnicity and thus identifying the specific hand anthropometric measurement that would be related to hand grip strength for a particular ethnicity is important. Thus, this study investigated the relationship between different hand anthropometric measurements with hand grip strength using a handheld dynamometer in South Asian healthy young male adults. Full hand length, middle finger length, palm width and wrist thickness in 52 young male participants aged 18-25 years old were measured. Hand grip strength was measured using a handheld dynamometer. Pearson correlation coefficient was used to study the relationship of each anthropometric variable with hand grip strength. Our data showed, palm width significantly correlates with hand grip strength (r=0.461; p=0.00059). Middle finger length has a weak positive correlation (r=0.260; p=0.063), while full hand length and wrist thickness has no correlation with hand grip strength (r=0.048; p=0.734) and (r=0.094; p=0.509) respectively. Our results show that of the four anthropometry measurements of the hand used in this study, palm width has a strong association with hand grip strength, and it is a statistically significant determinant of hand grip strength in South Asian healthy male young adults. It can also be concluded that middle finger length and wrist thickness do not play a role in affecting hand grip strength.&lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt; Article visualizations:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src="/-counters-/soc/0028/a.php" alt="Hit counter" /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

EXAMINING THE EFFECTS OF HAND ANTHROPOMETRIC MEASUREMENTS, GRIP STRENGTH AND BALANCE SKILLS ON SHOT PERFORMANCE IN ELITE FEMALE BASKETBALL PLAYERS

This study aims to examine the effects of elite female basketball players’ hand anthropometric measurements, hand-grip strength and balance skills on their shooting performance. The age, height, weight, body mass index and hand anthropometric values, hand-grip strength and balance of the athletes were measured, and Aahperd shot tests were applied. Data analysis was performed through SPSS 24 package program. Data analyses included the Shapiro-Wilk Test applied to determine whether there is a normal distribution, and Pearson correlation analysis used to evaluate the correlation status of the parameters with the normal distribution of the data. The average age of the 12 female athletes participating in the study was 21.83 ± 4.407 years, the average height was 171.50 ± 6.95 cm, the average body weight was 68.60 ± 17.96 kg and the mean Body Mass Index was 23.99 ± 4.72. has been determined. It was determined that the average right hand grip strength of 12 female athletes participating in the study was 35.92 ± 6.127 kg and the average left hand grip strength was 32.92 ± 5.807 kg. Among the balance parameters, the balance mean deviation value was determined as 07 ±, 048, the balance average speed value as 42 ± 119, the balance path length value as 12.19 ± 3.473 and the balance area value as 02 ±. The Aahperd shot test mean value was also determined to be 18.67 ± 2.425. The analyses regarding the hand anthropometrics parameter of the 12 athletes indicate that there is no significant correlation between shot performance and hand length, width, palm length, third finger length, hand shape index, finger index and hand surface area. Besides, it is determined that there is no significant correlation between the hand grip strength and balance test results and shooting performance. The data revealed that the dominant hand measurements, test values and shooting performance of the athletes are not significantly correlated.&#x0D; &#x0D; &lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt; Article visualizations:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src="/-counters-/edu_01/0770/a.php" alt="Hit counter" /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

Correlation of hand functionality and grip strengths with anthropometric measurements.

Using objective anthropometric measurement data and anthropometric ratios, grip strength and hand functionality can be evaluated. The aim of this study was to obtain anthropometric measurements regarding the forearm and hand, to evaluate the hand functionality in addition to hand and finger grip strengths, and to investigate the correlation between these values. One-hundred eight-four subjects between 18 and 25 years were included in the study. Forearm and hand anthropometric measurements and ratios were measured. Hand and lateral grip strengths were evaluated. Jebsen Taylor Hand Function Test (JTHFT) was used to assess hand functionality. A statistically weak and consistently negative correlation between the ratios of forearm length to forearm/wrist circumferences and the ratio of hand length to metacarpal head circumference and hand-lateral grip strengths was found. There was a statistically weak and consistently negative correlation between these ratios and the subtests of JTHFT. It was shown that there was a statistically weak-moderate positive correlation between the hand-lateral grip strengths and JTHFT subtests. In conclusion, when evaluating grip strength and hand functionality, forearm and hand anthropometric measurements and ratios, which could affect the results, should be considered.

Study of Age-Related Finger Span and Hand Grip Strength of Adult Female Garment Workers in Bangladesh

Background: Age related hand anthropometry is important for the effective designing of dimensionally compatible hand tools, gloves, machine access spaces and hand-held devices. The present study was designed to measure and compare finger spans and the hand grip strength of both hands of adult female garment workers of different age groups in Bangladesh and to establish correlation between finger spans and the hand grip strength of same hand.&#x0D; Materials and methods: The study was a descriptive, observational and cross sectional in nature with some analytic component; carried out in the Department of anatomy, Chittagong Medical College, Chattogram, from January 2015 to December 2015. A purposive non random convenient sampling was done to select 300 female garment workers, age ranging from 21-35 years. Hand grip strength and 5 finger spans were measured. ANOVA test was performed to correlate of finger spans and hand grip strength of different age groups.&#x0D; Results: Difference of hand grip strength with age showed significant in both hands. Difference of finger spans with age showed non-significant. There was positive correlation between finger spans and hand grip strength of the same hand.&#x0D; Conclusion: Study of age related anthropometric measurements of hand can play an important role to design same workplace, same hand tools, and same access spaces for the hand of the age group (21-35) years of adult female garment workers in Bangladesh and increase the usage of human resources.&#x0D; Chatt Maa Shi Hosp Med Coll J; Vol.20 (1); January 2021; Page 62-66

Estimation of anthropometric hand measurements, from ratio scaling method, for the design of sewn gloves

This paper shows the estimation process of the hand’s anthropometric dimensions, for designing leather sewn gloves. Since there is not detailed information about hands in the anthropometric studies of the Colombian population, it was necessary here to use the ratio scaling method (RS) to estimate, 22 anthropometric dimensions. Subsequently, an anthropometric measurement was performed in a sample of 41 participants (18 female – 23 male), in order to compare the similarity between the measured and the estimated dimensions founding a correlation coefficient between 0.9396 and 0.9995, for male, and between 0.9587 and 0.9988, for female. It was found that the estimated dimensions have the required precision to use this information in the products design that involve a direct contact with human beings, which means that the measures can be obtained with a lower cost and in a faster way than with conventional anthropometric studies.

Sex Prediction Using Finger, Hand and Foot Measurements for Forensic Identification in a Nigerian Population

In forensics, the identification of recovered human remains is important and of great significance. Sex determination is the most important primary parameter in human identification. We investigated the predictive role of the anthropometric measurements of hand, finger and foot dimensions in sex determination. The main objective was to correlate sexual dimorphism with hand, finger and foot dimensions and determine their sectioning point(s) and also ascertain the variables which can better predict sex. A cross sectional study was carried out using 200 students from Faculty of Science, University of Lagos, Nigeria aged 16-30 years. The collected data was analyzed using IBM SPSS version 23. The average hand length, breadth and index were found to be 17.44mm, 8.09mm and 0.3781mm greater in male compared to the female subjects respectively, with no significant (p&amp;lt;0.05) difference between the right and left hand in the same sex. The resultant hand index suggests the females have higher dolichocheir morphology compared to males and no hyperbrachycheir morphology. The cutoff point index for the right (≤43.41mm) and left (≤42.90mm) hand is suggestive of female, but is suggestive of male if the right hand is &amp;gt;43.41mm and left hand is &amp;gt;42.90mm. A foot index section points for the right (347.9mm) and left (349.4mm) foot was taken for male and female foot identification. A cut of point of 348.7mm was obtained to define sexual dimorphism of the foot index. There was strong correlation between foot dimensions of both feet for the same sex (p&amp;lt;0.01) while the foot dimensions of the male and the female were significantly (p&amp;lt;0.05) different. The hand (length and breadth), index/ring fingers ratio, foot (length and breadth) and ankle breadth are therefore important indices and forensic identification tool for predicting sexual dimorphism and identifying human remains for medicolegal examinations.

Estimation of stature from hand and handprint measurements in a monoethnic Maldivian population

ABSTRACT Stature estimation from anthropometric measurements of hand and handprints may prove useful in forensic investigations. Since its accuracy may be population specific, and because a similar study on the monoethnic Maldivians in Maldives remains unreported, this current research that evaluates such an aspect merits forensic significance. Using stratified-random sampling, this current research examined the standing height, as well as 22 anthropometric measurements from each hand and handprints collected from consenting 191 male and 193 female Maldivians in Maldives. Univariate and multivariate statistical analyses were used for interpreting the anthropometric measurements and their association in estimating stature. The simple linear regression analysis provided significant (p < 0.05) moderate-highly correlated (range: 0.61-0.70) regressions for hand lengths of hands and handprints of Maldivians for accurate estimation of their stature. The accuracy of the estimated stature (Standard Error of the Estimate, SEE) observed here ranged between 3.82 and 5.76 cm. Stepwise multiple regression analysis provided improved accuracy to the equation (SEE: ±3.78-4.45 cm). The data gathered here are the first of their kind for the Maldivians and may prove forensically relevant in crime scene investigation and disaster victim identification, a pragmatic approach for estimating stature from forensic anthropological means.

Supervised and unsupervised machine learning for gender identification through hand's anthropometric data

The goal of this study is to determine the best gender identifiers from the hand anthropometric measurements. Five algorithms are used and their performances quantified. The first algorithm is based on computing distances of test subjects to pre-computed masculine/feminine mean characteristics. Then, the k-nearest neighbours, the K-means algorithms, the linear and the quadratic discriminant techniques are applied to segregate males and females. To select the relevant attributes, the recursive feature elimination and the stepwise regression methods are used. All these methods are leading to high accuracy rates of genders recognition. However, the linear and quadratic discriminant methods are the most accurate. Breadth and circumference features are better than the length features in identifying the gender. The palm and the thumb are the parts of the hand with the highest rate of gender recognition. Breadths of the index and the thumb and the palm circumference are the best individual identifiers.

Supervised and unsupervised machine learning for gender identification through hand's anthropometric data

The goal of this study is to determine the best gender identifiers from the hand anthropometric measurements. Five algorithms are used and their performances quantified. The first algorithm is based on computing distances of test subjects to pre-computed masculine/feminine mean characteristics. Then, the k-nearest neighbours, the K-means algorithms, the linear and the quadratic discriminant techniques are applied to segregate males and females. To select the relevant attributes, the recursive feature elimination and the stepwise regression methods are used. All these methods are leading to high accuracy rates of genders recognition. However, the linear and quadratic discriminant methods are the most accurate. Breadth and circumference features are better than the length features in identifying the gender. The palm and the thumb are the parts of the hand with the highest rate of gender recognition. Breadths of the index and the thumb and the palm circumference are the best individual identifiers.

Stature estimation from hand anthropometric measurements in Bangladeshi population

The aim of this research was to generate a standard formula for estimating stature in the Bangladeshi population from hand anthropometric measurements. Arbitrarily selected a total of 150 male and 150 female healthy subjects within the age range 18–60 years participated in this study. Stature and nine hand parameters were taken using a standard tape and a digital slide calipers for each subject. The results indicate that in male Bangladeshi population, the bilateral variation of hand length, hand breadth, maximum hand breadth, palm length, thumb length, ring finger length, and little finger length was statistically not significant (p > 0.05). On the other hand, in female, bilateral difference of hand length, hand breadth, palm length, index finger length, middle finger length, ring finger length, and little finger length was statistically insignificant (p > 0.05). All hand dimensions were statistically significant (p < 0.001) and positively correlated with stature. Linear and multiple regression equation were used to estimate stature from hand anthropometric measurements. The accuracy of the determination of stature using hand dimensions ranged from ±3.688 to ±6.112 cm. Right-hand length was the most reliable single variable in both sexes in simple linear regression (SSE ±5.347 cm in male and ±3.688 cm in female). The multiple regression models were more reliable than the linear regression models as a lower SSE and higher R and R-square values. In conclusion, our present study has a great importance to estimate stature from hand measurements among Bangladeshis from the anatomical and forensic point of view.

Ergonomic design and evaluation of masons' trowels for construction work

This study investigated the effects of five redesigned masons' trowels (with handles with variable cross-section that provided different patterns of grip) and hand anthropometry on muscle activity, usability and affordance in a working context, and the results were compared with that of the traditional design with longitudinal round cross-sectional handle. The results showed some improvements in terms of usability and affordance with the second prototype design. Usability was also improved with the first prototype trowel design, although it required higher electromyographic activity levels compared to some other designs. Hand anthropometric measures had no effect on the studied measures. The results suggest that although improving performance and usability may not necessarily be compatible objectives, the idea of cylindrical tool handles with variable cross-section can be employed advantageously to improve the tool's usability. The findings may also rule out the possibility that users' hand anthropometry is always necessary for the design of tool handle. Rather, hand tool designers and manufacturers should pay special attention to the working context and quality of hand-handle interaction to improve the design and usability of hand tools.

Body, wrist, and hand anthropometric measurements as risk factors for carpal tunnel syndrome

AimThe aim of this study was to identify cut-off values for body, hand, and wrist measurements in order to correctly identify individuals with increased risk of carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS).Patients and methodsThis study included 30 patients with clinically diagnosed and electrophysiologically confirmed idiopathic CTS and 30 age-matched and sex-matched healthy volunteers as the control group. Both groups performed sensory and motor conduction studies of the median nerve. Body, hand, and wrist anthropometric measurements were taken including weight, height, waist circumference, hip circumferences, wrist depth/width, third digit length, palm length/width, and hand length. Obesity indicators and hand/wrist ratios were calculated. Area under the ROC curve (AUC), confidence intervals, cut-off values, sensitivity, and specificity were calculated separately for each measured parameter.ResultsThere were statistically significant differences among the studied participants regarding all measured anthropometric parameters (P<0.001). As a result, all studied patients had squarer wrists and shorter hands than healthy participants. The AUC values for all studied measurements showed high accuracy (AUC<95) except for hip circumference, waist-to-hip ratio, palm length, third digit length, and digit index which showed moderate accuracy. In the studied patients there were positive significant correlations between BMI, wrist depth, wrist ratio, and shape index with an electrophysiological severity grading of CTS of the studied patients; on the other hand, there were negative significant correlations between palm length, hand length, and hand ratio with electrophysiological severity grading of CTS.ConclusionThe cut-off values for body, wrist, and hand anthropometric measurements are useful tools to assess the risk factors for CTS.

Effects of Anthropometric Measurements on Treatment Outcomes in Patients with Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between anthropometric hand/wrist measurements and outcomes following static wrist splintage in patients with mild-to-moderate carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). Thirty nine patients with mild-to-moderate CTS were enrolled in this study. Anthropometric measurements of hand and wrist including wrist width, wrist depth, palm length, hand length, wrist ratio (wrist depth/wrist width) and wrist/palm ratio (wrist depth/palm length) were recorded as well as body mass index and ultrasonographic cross sectional area of median nerve. Patients were treated with static wrist splints and evaluated at 2nd, 4th and 12th weeks with Boston Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire, median nerve nerve conduction studies, Visual Analog Scale for pain and Likert Scale for numbness. Following treatment with a static wrist splint, the wrist ratio was correlated significantly with improvements in Boston Functional Status Scale at the second and forth weeks (r = -0.354, p = 0.027 and r = -0.320, p = 0.050 respectively) and Visual Analog Scale at the forth and 12th weeks (r = -0.352, p = 0.030 and r = -0.360, p = 0.029 respectively). Splinting provides symptomatic improvement in mild-to-moderate CTS and this study suggests that the wrist anthropometric measurements may influence treatment outcomes.

P255 Carpal tunnel syndrome and object dropping in young dentists

Objectives Some patients with Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) complain of difficulty in gripping and dropping objects. Occupationally extensive and long-term use of the hands is a risk factor for CTS. In this study, the prevalence of CTS and object dropping complaints were analysed in relation to body-Mass Index (BMI) and anthropometric hand measurements in a group of dentists with long working hours. Methods 79 dentists (53 females, mean age 28.5 ± 3.9) and 50 age and gender-matched controls [30 females, mean age 26.4 ± 5.8] were included. Clinical examination, hand preference questionnaire, Boston Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Questionnaire (BCTQ), anthropometric measurements of the hands and a questionnaire for frequent object dropping were performed. Electromyography was performed in 21 dentists and 10 controls. Results Weekly occupational hand usage was higher in dentists than controls [33.6 ± 13 vs 12.8 ± 13 h]. The prevalence of frequent object dropping was also higher in dentists (24.1% vs 10%). Although symptoms suggestive of CTS were present in 13 dentists, objective CTS findings were found in only 1. Clinical examination and BCTQ findings showed no significant difference between the groups. There were no significant correlation between the anthropometric measurements and BCTQ scores and frequent object dropping. Discussion and conclusions The probable cause of the low prevalence of CTS in our dentist group may be the young age. The complaint of frequent object dropping can be explained by their increased awareness about their hand function. Significance The relation between object dropping, CTS and the associated features were investigated in a group with occupational excessive hand usage.

Investigation of the relationship between anthropometric measurements and maximal handgrip strength in young adults.

To identify physical measures that predict maximal handgrip strength (MHGS) and provide evidence for identifying lack of sincerity of effort when assessing upper extremity weakness. This study investigated anthropometric measurements associated with MHGS of healthy young adults. A convenience sample of 150 healthy adults ages 19 to 34 years old completed the MHGS assessment, which was measured using a Jamar dynamometer according to the protocol of the American Society of Hand Therapists, for both dominant and non-dominant hands. Several anthropometric data were collected, which included height, body weight, forearm length, forearm circumference, hand length, and hand width. Multivariable linear regression analysis indicated gender and hand width were uniquely and significantly associated with participants' MHGS for dominant and non-dominant hand and accounted for more than 60% of the variance, with R2 = 0.60, P < 0.001 for the dominant hand model and R2 = 0.64, P < 0.001 for the non-dominant hand model. Among the forearm and hand anthropometric measures, hand width is the best predictor of MHGS in both the non-dominant and dominant hands for healthy young adults.

Relation of anthropometric hand measurements to idiopathic carpal tunnel syndrome

ContextCertain individuals are more prone to developing idiopathic carpal tunnel syndrome (ICTS) than others, suggesting that certain personal factors can be implicated in its occurrence.AimThe aim of this work was to study anthropometric hand and wrist measurements in ICTS patients, and to correlate them with median nerve electrophysiologic study.Patients and methodsThe study included 50 patients with clinically diagnosed and electrophysiologically confirmed ICTS and 50 age-matched and sex-matched healthy volunteers as the control group. Both groups performed sensory and motor conduction studies of the median nerve. External hand and wrist anthropometric measurements were taken for both groups including wrist depth and width, wrist ratio (WR), palm length and width, third digit length, and hand ratio (HR).ResultsPatients had significantly higher wrist depth (P=0.000), higher WR (P=0.000), shorter palm length (P=0.002), shorter hand length (P=0.001), and lower HR (P=0.000). Patients had more square wrists and shorter hands. Some of these measurements correlated well with median nerve conduction study parameters. Wrist depth and WR were positively correlated with median motor and sensory latencies (P=0.000) and negatively correlated with median motor and sensory amplitudes (P=0.000), and sensory conduction velocity (P=0.000). HR was negatively correlated to median motor and sensory latencies (P=0.01) and positively correlated to median motor (P=0.001) and sensory amplitudes (P=0.039), and sensory conduction velocity (P=0.001). Palm width was negatively correlated with median motor amplitude (P=0.043).ConclusionCertain hand anthropometric characteristics predispose to ICTS. Short hand and square wrist configurations could predict the development of ICTS.

Associations between hand anthropometric measurements, and degree of severity of carpal tunnel syndrome in Suez Canal area, Egypt

Background: Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is considered as the most commonly reported peripheral nerve entrapment syndrome resulting from compression of the median nerve at the wrist level. Many studies have investigated the association between anthropometric characteristics and the degree of severity of the disease. Most literature supports a causal association between overweight and CTS; moreover, there is strong evidence that anatomical characteristics of the hand-wrist system may change the risk, and perhaps the severity of CTS. The aim of this study was to investigate the association between hand anthropometric measurements in patients with CTS and severity of the disease. Methodology: A cross-sectional study was conducted among patients with CTS (n = 600). For this purpose, a brief questionnaire and physical examination were done; hand dominance also was recorded. Body and hand anthropometric measurements were performed and recorded followed by electrodiagnostic testing at the same visit. Results: Patients had significantly prolonged distal latency, prolonged peak latency, lower compound muscle action potential and sensory nerve action potential amplitudes, and slower sensory nerve conduction velocity. Patients had significantly higher wrist depth, higher wrist ratio (WR), shorter palm length, shorter hand length, and lower hand ratio. Correlations of WR and wrist depth were also found. Conclusion: Anthropometric characteristics of the wrist and hand are significantly correlated with CTS. These measurements could be used in certain occupations to screen for those individuals who have increased liability to develop CTS.

Handgrip strength as determinant of upper body strength/physical fitness: a comparative study among individuals performing gymnastics (ring athletes) and gymnasium (powerlifters)

Background: This study was conducted on two different exercising groups, that is, gymnasium (powerlifters) and gymnastics (ring users). Although the type of physical activity is different, but both of the groups require stamina and coordination of central nervous system and skeletal muscles. In the two groups, the muscle strength of the upper body is remarkable and the handgrip has to be effectual for holding rings (gymnastics) and weights (gymnasium). Also, the time for which the grip can be maintained, which determines the endurance of the individual, is vital. Objective: To find the difference in handgrip strength (HGS) and handgrip endurance (HGE) among the two physically active groups. Materials and Methods: This study was conducted on a total of 75 subjects, divided into three groups of 25 each, namely, gymnastics, gymnasium, and control, that is, non-exercising group. Anthropometric hand measurements and skinfold thickness, forearm circumference, and forearm muscle were taken with HGS and HGE. Statistical analysis was then done to draw inference. Result: The study revealed statistically significantly high HGS and HGE in exercising group, in comparison to the control group, also the HGS was maximum in the gymnasium group (p < 0.0001). Moreover, the forearm circumference and the forearm muscle area were maximum (p < 0.0001) and the skin fold thickness was found to be the least in the gymnasium group. The study revealed positive correlation among HGS and HGE with forearm muscle mass. Thus, the study concluded the positive effect of physical activities on HGS and the weight training of the muscles increases their efficiency due to more acquisition of strength and development. Conclusion: In view of the fact that our day-to-day activities, right from household work, official work, to sports, require good HGS, a consistent assessment of handgrip forms an integral part of rehabilitation, not only to assess the strength of muscles involved in gripping but also to apply as a tool in rehabilitating patients with variable levels of hand injuries and in many clinical conditions such as diabetes. Also, in the field of sports, it affects the performance and, therefore, can be implemented as a useful parameter by the coach in their fitness and training program.