Dominant Handgrip Strength Research Articles

Correlations of Handgrip Strength and some Anthropometric Variables in Indian Inter-University Female Handball Players

Correlations of Handgrip Strength and some Anthropometric Variables in Indian Inter-University Female Handball Players The purpose of this study was of two-folds, firstly, to evaluate the handgrip strength and some anthropometric characteristics of Indian inter-university female handball players and, secondly, to search the correlations of these physical traits among themselves. To serve this purpose, thirteen anthropometric characteristics, were measured on purposely selected 101 Indian inter-university female handball players aged 18-25 years (mean age 20.13 years, ±1.40) collected from seven Indian universities and the competition was held in Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar, India. An adequate number of controls (n = 100, 21.10 years, ± 1.70) were also collected from the same place. The results indicated statistically significant differences (p<.05-.001) in all the variables, except BMI, right upper arm and forearm lengths, right upper extremity length and right upper arm circumference between Indian inter-university female handball players and controls. Dominant right handgrip strength has significantly positive correlations (p≤.01) with all the variables, except left hand width and right upper extremity length. Height and weight have significantly positive correlations (p≤ .01) with all the variables, except right upper extremity length and right upper arm circumference. For rest of the anthropometric variables, it was observed that almost all the variables were correlated to each other significantly (p≤ .05 - .01) with positive correlations, except right upper extremity length and right upper arm circumference.

Força de preensão manual de atletas tenistas avaliada por diferentes recomendações de teste

A avaliação da força de preensão manual (FPM) em tenistas competitivos deve ser realizada devido à assimetria que o jogador pode desenvolver. Para avaliar a FPM, profissionais utilizam dois protocolos diferentes (das Sociedades Americana e Europeia). Os objetivos deste estudo foram comparar a FPM usando a técnica do European Test of Physical Fitness Handbook (Eurofit) e da American Society of Hand Therapists (ASHT), bem como verificar a FPM entre o lado dominante/contralateral e comparar a FPM entre as idades em atletas de tênis da categoria infanto-juvenil. Participaram do estudo 137 tenistas do gênero masculino e 45 do feminino, todos com idade entre oito e 18 anos. Para avaliar a FPM, segundo as recomendações da Eurofit e ASHT, foi utilizado um dinamômetro manual (Jamar). Nenhum dos sujeitos avaliados apresentava qualquer lesão que pudesse comprometer o teste. Os resultados mostram que não há diferença na FPM entre os posicionamentos recomendados pela Eurofit e ASHT para medir a FPM independente do gênero. A curva sigmoide foi a que melhor se adequou para regressão da FPM e idade em ambos os gêneros sendo que para o masculino a FPM tem maior inclinação aos 11 anos, já para o feminino a maior inclinação é aos 10 anos. Além disso, a partir dos 14 anos, o lado dominante dos atletas masculinos apresentou maior FPM que o lado não dominante; contudo, essa assimetria não ocorreu no feminino em qualquer idade até os 18 anos.

Objective measures of physical fatigue in women undergoing adjuvant therapy for early-stage breast cancer.

e19680 Background: Cancer-related fatigue (CRF) is prevalent with cancer diagnosis and treatment, and its subjective nature has made it difficult to characterize and treat. To help address this issue, we evaluated objective measures of these parameters and correlated the results with the self-reported measurement of fatigue. Methods: Women with stage I-III breast cancer receiving dose dense doxorubicin and cyclophosphamide (AC) were recruited. Participants were tested at baseline and week 2 after cycle 4 of AC. The assessment included a 6 Minute Walk (6MW), Jamar dynamometer (grip strength), and self-report Brief Fatigue Inventory (BFI). In addition, total daily energy expenditure (TEE) was measured using the Bodybugg (BB) armband for 1 week prior to chemotherapy and week 2 of cycle 4. Results: To date, 20 of the planned 25 participants have been enrolled in the clinical trial and 15 have completed pre and post chemotherapy assessments. The mean change in BFI score was +1.8 (increased fatigue). While all measures of physical function decreased (mean): TEE (-4.4%), dominant hand grip strength (-2.7%), 6MW (-3.7%), correlations with BFI were weak (|r|<0.1) for all measures other than TEE (r=-0.321) and 6MW (r=-0.312). Conclusions: The self-report of fatigue may be associated with objective tests of total daily energy expenditure and 6 minute walk, and continued accrual is warranted. Change in study measures in patient sample (post assessment – pre assessment). Pt BFI TEE (%) Hand grip strength (%) 6MWORK* (%) Dominant Nondominant 1 + 4.0 + 5.7 + 5.9 - 30.9 - 21.5 2 - 1.1 - 16.3 - 39.4 - 7.1 - 5.6 3 + 0.0 + 3.5 + 0.0 + 0.0 + 9.1 4 + 2.2 - 4.2 - 12.8 - 8.6 - 19.9 5 + 5.9 - 14.6 - 5.6 + 32.0 + 3.7 6 - 1.2 + 26.7 + 0.0 + 9.1 + 1.0 7 + 0.0 - 9.1 + 0.0 + 0.0 - 9.7 8 - 0.9 + 14.3 + 19.0 - 16.7 - 1.4 9 + 4.7 - 8.4 + 0.0 - 8.0 + 3.2 10 + 4.3 - 15.3 + 5.9 - 5.9 - 8.7 11 - 1.2 - 28.8 + 5.0 + 11.1 + 1.2 12 + 5.9 - 12.6 - 15.0 - 5.0 - 15.4 13 - 1.1 + 4.0 + 3.0 + 16.0 + 3.1 14 + 5.0 - 9.2 + 0.0 + 0.0 + 1.0 15 - 0.1 - 2.2 - 6.7 + 3.1 + 4.6 Mean + 1.8 - 4.4 - 2.7 - 0.7 - 3.7 * 6MWORK (kg-m) = patient’s weight (kg) × distance traveled (m).

Electrophysiologic correlations with clinical outcomes in CIDP

Data are lacking on correlations between changes in nerve conduction (NC) studies and treatment response in chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP). This report examined data from a randomized, double-blind trial of immune globulin intravenous, 10% caprylate/chromatography purified (IGIV-C [Gamunex]; n = 59) versus placebo (n = 58) every 3 weeks for up to 24 weeks in CIDP. Motor NC results and clinical measures were assessed at baseline and endpoint/week 24. Improvement from baseline in adjusted inflammatory neuropathy cause and treatment score correlated with improvement in proximally evoked compound muscle action potential (CMAP) amplitudes (r = -0.53; P < 0.001) of all nerves tested and with improvement in CMAP amplitude of the most severely affected motor nerve (r = -0.36; P < 0.001). Correlations were observed between improvement in averaged CMAP amplitudes and dominant-hand grip strength (r = 0.44; P < 0.001) and Medical Research Council sum score (r = 0.38; P < 0.001). Overall, the change in electrophysiologic measures of NC in CIDP correlated with clinical response to treatment.

Global muscle dysfunction as a risk factor of readmission to hospital due to COPD exacerbations

Exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are associated with several modifiable (sedentary life-style, smoking, malnutrition, hypoxemia) and non-modifiable (age, co-morbidities, severity of pulmonary function, respiratory infections) risk factors. We hypothesise that most of these risk factors may have a converging and deleterious effects on both respiratory and peripheral muscle function in COPD patients. A multicentre study was carried out in 121 COPD patients (92% males, 63±11 yr, FEV(1), 49±17%pred). Assessments included anthropometrics, lung function, body composition using bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA), and global muscle function (peripheral muscle (dominant and non-dominant hand grip strength, HGS), inspiratory (PI(max)), and expiratory (PE(max)) muscle strength). GOLD stage, clinical status (stable vs. non-stable) and both current and past hospital admissions due to COPD exacerbations were included as covariates in the analyses. Respiratory and peripheral muscle weakness were observed in all subsets of patients. Muscle weakness, was significantly associated with both current and past hospitalisations. Patients with history of multiple admissions showed increased global muscle weakness after adjusting by FEV(1) (PE(max), OR=6.8, p<0.01; PI(max), OR=2.9, p<0.05; HGSd, OR=2.4, and HGSnd, OR=2.6, p=0.05). Moreover, a significant increase in both respiratory and peripheral muscle weakness, after adjusting by FEV(1), was associated with current acute exacerbations. Muscle dysfunction, adjusted by GOLD stage, is associated with an increased risk of hospital admissions due to acute episodes of exacerbation of the disease. Current exacerbations further deteriorate muscle dysfunction.

Timing and Course of Clinical Response to Intravenous Immunoglobulin in Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyradiculoneuropathy

To investigate the timing, course, and clinical characteristics of the response to intravenous immunoglobulin in chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy (CIDP). Data were extracted from the ICE trial, a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of immune globulin intravenous, 10% caprylate/chromatography purified (IGIV-C). Multiple international centers. One hundred seventeen individuals with CIDP. Intervention Treatment with IGIV-C (Gamunex, n = 59) or placebo (n = 58), with IGIV-C administered as a 2-g/kg loading dose followed by a 1-g/kg maintenance dose every 3 weeks, for up to 24 weeks. The primary efficacy parameter was an improvement of 1 or more points in adjusted Inflammatory Neuropathy Cause and Treatment (INCAT) disability score. Participants treated with IGIV-C were divided into subgroups based on meeting responder vs nonresponder definitions and by time to first improvement. Among 30 responders to IGIV-C, 14 (47%) patients had improved adjusted INCAT scores by week 3, and 16 (53%) patients improved at week 6 after a second infusion. Participants who improved by week 3 were more severely disabled at baseline than those who improved at 6 weeks. In patients who improved, the number of individuals reaching maximal improvement continued to increase during maintenance therapy for up to 24 weeks. For patients with first improvement by week 3, the change in dominant-hand grip strength over time tended to parallel the INCAT score. In patients with first improvement by week 6, however, the improvement in dominant-hand grip strength preceded initial improvement in INCAT score. Data suggest that treatment with 2 courses of IGIV-C administered 3 weeks apart may be required for initial improvement, and continued maintenance therapy may be necessary to achieve a maximal therapeutic response. Trial Registration clinicaltrials.gov Identifier: NCT00220740.

Can Isometric Knee Extensor Torque from Hand-held Dynamometry Predict Physical Function in Overweight Older Adults?

PURPOSE: Reduced muscular strength is associated with declines in functional capacity in older adults, and more field tests need to be developed in order to predict physical function in those who are at risk of sarcopenia- and obesity-related disability. The relationship between isometric knee extensor (KE) torque, handgrip strength (HGS) and tests of lower-extremity physical function was investigated in overweight and obese, community-dwelling older adults. METHODS: Overweight and obese (BMI = 33.4 ± 0.4 kg/m2), community-dwelling older (age = 68.9 ± 0.6 years) men and women (n = 108) underwent assessments of isometric KE torque, HGS, and completed two different measures of physical function. Maximal isometric KE torque was measured via hand-held dynamometry on the dominant leg and peak HGS values for the dominant hand were obtained using a hand-held dynamometer. Physical function was evaluated by the timed up-and-go test (TUG) and the short physical performance battery (SPPB). Individual subcomponents of the SPPB include a four-meter walk, quantitative assessments of balance, and a timed five chair stand test. The TUG measures the duration required to walk a short distance and provides an indication of functional mobility in older adults. A Spearman"s rank correlation coefficient analysis was conducted to investigate the association between performance on muscular function assessments and physical function tests. RESULTS: Maximal isometric KE torque was weakly but significantly correlated with peak HGS (+0.24, p=0.01). Peak HGS was significantly associated with total score on the SPPB (+0.20, p=0.04). Additionally, there was a significant inverse association between maximal HGS and time required to complete the TUG (-0.22, p=0.02). Interestingly, maximal isometric KE torque was not significantly associated with indices of lower-extremity physical function such as the TUG (-0.01, p=0.92) or the SPPB (+0.06, p=0.49). CONCLUSION: Although isometric KE torque from hand-held dynamometry is associated with HGS in overweight and obese, community-dwelling older adults, it may not adequately predict global measures of physical function. Peak HGS may have a better capacity to predict performance on measures of lower-extremity physical function in overweight and obese older adults.

Effects of Head-neck Rotation and Kinesio Taping of the Flexor Muscles on Dominant-hand Grip Strength

Purpose) The purposes of this study were to examine whether the asymmetrical tonic neck reflex affects the dominant-hand grip strength in healthy adults and to compare the results with the degree of grip strength achieved when Kinesio tape was applied to the flexor muscles of the dominant hands. (Subjects) The subjects were 20 men and 20 women who agreed to participate in the study. (Methods) Grip strength was measured using a Jamer dynamometer under 3 conditions: the neutral position, the head-neck system rotating toward the nondominant hand in the transverse plane, and after applying Kinesio tape to the flexor muscles of the dominant hand. (Results) In the neutral position, the grip strength of the dominant hand was significantly greater after applying Kinesio tape to the flexor muscles than that of the untaped dominant hand in the neutral position or the head-neck rotation condition in both males and females. (Conclusion) These results suggest that the muscle strength of the upper extremity in subjects with upper- extremity muscle weakness may be improved by clinical application of Kinesio taping as a supplementary measure.

An Association of Dominant Hand Grip Strength with Some Anthropometric Variables in Indian Collegiate Population

The present study deals with the correlations of dominant hand grip strength and 12 anthropometric variables, namely, height, weight, BMI, upper arm length, forearm length, total arm length, hand breadth, hand length, upper arm circumference, forearm circumference, biceps skinfold and triceps skinfold in randomly selected 303 unrelated, normal, healthy students (151 males and 152 females) aged 18-25 years of Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar, Punjab, India. The findings of the present study indicate a strong association of dominant right hand grip strength with all the anthropometric variables, except biceps skinfold in male students and with height (r = 0.200), weight (r = 0.275), BMI (p = 0.217), total arm length (p = 0.218) and upper arm circumference (r = 0.199) in female students. Statistically significant positive correlations were also found between dominant left hand grip strength and height (r = 0.275), weight (p = 0.537), BMI (p = 0.472), hand breadth (p = 0.464), upper arm circumference (r = 0.570), forearm circumference (p = 0.464) and triceps skinfold (p = 0.343) only in male students, but no such association was found between grip strength of left hand dominant female students with any of the twelve anthropometric variables. It may be concluded that hand dominance, especially of the right hand, has some close association with the anthropometric variables related to upper extremities.

Effect of Mandibular Orthopedic Repositioning Devices on Human Performance Factors

Initial investigation of the potential effects of mandibular orthopedic repositioning appliances (MORAs) on musculoskeletal strength occurred in the 1960s. Recently, MORAs have increased in popularity with race car drivers and other sport participants as they purportedly increase concentration, coordination, and muscle strength. PURPOSE: To determine the effect of treatment condition (Control or MORA) on postural stability, local muscular strength, and vertical jump of physically active college-aged individuals. METHODS: Twenty-seven physically active male subjects (age = 21.33 ± 2.22 yr; ht = 177.0 ± 7.26 cm; wt = 85.85 kg) were group matched on age, height and weight then placed into a prospective randomized, doubly multivariate, crossover design over a period of 4 weeks. The stability task consisted of 3 separate 20 second barefoot bilateral stance trials on the Biodex Balance System SD (Biodex Medical Systems, Inc., Shirley, NY) with the subject's eyes open to yield Overall Stability Index (OSI), Anterior/Posterior Stability Index (APSI), and the Medial/Lateral Stability Index (MLSI) measures. Foot position coordinates were recorded for consistency between trials and the stability level set at 4. A 0-100 kilogram Smedley double-pointer design hand grip dynamometer (Stoelting Co., Chicago, IL) was used to measure local muscular strength in both the dominant and non-dominant hand over three separate trials. A Just Jump (Probotics, Inc., Huntsville, AL) data acquisition system was to measure jump hang time in seconds and jump height in inches over three trials. Treatment comparisons were made using a single group MANOVA with repeated measures. RESULTS: No statistically significant differences were found between the MORA or Control group for OSI, APSI, and MLSI stability measures, p = .829, p = .982 and p = .799 respectively. No statistically significant differences were found between the MORA or Control group for dominant and non-dominant hand grip strength, p = .386 and p = .154 respectively. No statistically significant differences were found between the MORA or Control group for vertical jump hang time and height, p = .217 and p = .174 respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The use of a MORA device does not increase performance on postural stability, grip strength, or vertical jump tasks.

Normative data on hand grip strength in a Greek adult population

The objectives of this study were to establish data concerning normal hand grip strength (GS) and to explore possible associations with anthropometric parameters. GS was measured in 232 individuals in a standard arm position using the Jamar dynamometer. We examined differences between right/left and dominant/nondominant hands. Possible correlations of GS with anthropometric values were evaluated. Right hand and dominant hand GS were found to be higher and statistically significant compared to left hand and nondominant hand GS, respectively. Men had higher values of GS compared to women. A negative association was observed between age and dominant hand GS. A positive association was documented between height and dominant hand GS, while the respective comparison for weight and dominant hand GS documented a statistically significant positive association only in the male group. A positive association between BMI and dominant hand GS was seen in female individuals. Additional factors associated with GS should be the goal of future investigations.

Differences In Dominant And Non-Dominant Handgrip Strength Of Male Golf Professionals Measured Using The Jamar Dynamometer

Grip strength is often used clinically as an indicator of hand function and as a quick and effective outcome measure for rehabilitation. There is little published data for normative handgrip strength for specific populations. Published bilateral grip strength values provide no insight into expected ranges or relationships for professional sportsmen and women. This study explored the range and relationship of dominant and non-dominant handgrip strength in professional golfers. A small, cross sectional study recruiting 36 professional golfers was carried out. Bilateral grip strength was measured using a JAMAR ® dynamometer and standardised measurement protocols. Results indicated that in professional golfers, non-dominant hands were significantly stronger (p=0.009, 95%CI 3.95 to 0.61) than the dominant hand by a mean of 2.28kg. Clinicians need to consider that, for this potential patient group, optimum hand rehabilitation may need to aim for the non-dominant hand to regain a stronger grip force than the dominant hand.

Impaired Respiratory and Skeletal Muscle Strength in Patients Prior to Hematopoietic Stem-Cell Transplantation

The primary aim was to determine if respiratory and skeletal muscle strength and submaximal exercise capacity were reduced in subjects prior to sibling- or unrelated-donor hematopoietic stem-cell transplantation (HSCT). Prospective observational study. Tufts-New England Medical Center, a tertiary referral center in Boston, MA. All patients (n = 56) undergoing either sibling- or unrelated-donor HSCT from January 1, 2002, to December 31, 2002. Demographic data, chemotherapy burden, pulmonary function tests (PFTs), maximal inspiratory muscle strength (PImax), maximal expiratory muscle strength (PEmax), dominant hand grip strength (GS), 6-min walk test (6MWT), and survival as of May 21, 2004. PImax was reduced to < 80% predicted in 42% of subjects and to < 60% predicted in 18% of subjects. PEmax was reduced to < 80% predicted in 89% of subjects and to < 60% of predicted in 80% of subjects. A significant correlation was observed between PImax and PEmax (r = 0.65, p < 0.0001). GS was reduced to < 80% predicted in 39% of subjects and < 60% predicted in 15% of subjects. The 6MWT was reduced to < 80% predicted in 58% of subjects and to < 60% predicted in 9.6% of subjects. Diffusing capacity of the lung for carbon monoxide (Dlco) was the only PFT that was significantly correlated with 6MWT distance (r = 0.44, p = 0.015). The mean calculated load of chemotherapy was 14.8 +/- 16.5 U (+/- SD). The mean time elapsed from date of hematologic diagnosis to date of HSCT was 874 +/- 1,109 days. The median survival of the cohort was 374 days (95% confidence interval, 177 to 665 days). Respiratory or skeletal muscle strength, 6MWT distance, or calculated burden of chemotherapy did not predict survival. Respiratory and skeletal muscle strength and submaximal exercise capacity are reduced in a significant percentage of patients prior to undergoing HSCT. These observations may help explain musculoskeletal weakness that has been reported in the posttransplant period.

Home-Based Circuit Training for Elderly Women

The effects of participation in a home-based strength-training program on muscular strength and muscular endurance were determined in elderly women. Ten healthy elderly (x = 66.4 yrs ±6.7 SD) females participated in 10 weeks of home-based resistance training. Following the guidance of exercise videos, which were produced specifically for this study, subjects exercised three times per week for twenty-five minutes per session. Each session involved a 3-5 minute warm-up, two rounds of a strengthening-circuit (utilizing tubing, body weight, and dumbbell exercises), and a 3-5 minute cool-down Pre- and post-intervention measures were taken of maximum handgrip strength and six muscular endurance tests (chest press, leg extension, seated row, hamstring curl, biceps curl, and triceps press-down). Dependent t-tests revealed statistically significant improvements for all six muscular endurance tests (p < 0.01), as well as dominant hand grip strength (p < 0.05). Participants also reported vast improvements in functional abilities of activities of daily living. These results demonstrate that a home-based strength training intervention can be considered a viable option for improving muscular fitness among older adults who may not be favorable to join community-based exercise programs.

Are European Resuscitation Council recommendations for paddle force achievable during defibrillation?

Transthoracic impedance (TTI) is an important determinant of success in defibrillation. Low TTI increases transmyocardial current and therefore increases the chance of depolarising a critical mass of myocardium. A major component of TTI occurs at the paddle–skin interface and is minimised by pressure applied to the defibrillation paddles. The International Liaison Committee on Resuscitation (ILCOR) 2000 guidelines recommend that ‘firm force’ should be applied to both paddles, whereas previous European Resuscitation Council (ERC) 1992 guidelines were more precise, recommending that 12 kg of force should to be applied. We assessed whether defibrillator operators are capable of achieving 12 kg paddle force. Fifty advanced life support-trained doctors and nurses attempted to achieve 12 kg paddle force while simulating defibrillation on a resuscitation doll. The median value of the maximum pressures obtainable was 10.1 (max 16.0; min 5.0) kg force. Only 14% could achieve ≥12 kg force on both paddles for defibrillation. Men achieved more force than women (10.7 vs. 8.1 kg force; P<0.01), and there was a correlation between maximum force achieved and operator height ( r 2=0.27) and dominant hand-grip strength ( r 2=0.34). The ERC recommendation of 12 kg paddle force is not achievable by the majority of defibrillator operators.

Pyridostigmine Bromide Intake during the Persian Gulf War Is Not Associated with Postwar Handgrip Strength

Many Persian Gulf War veterans took pyridostigmine bromide (PB) during the Persian Gulf War. Previous research suggests that PB intake and insecticide exposure may reduce muscular strength. During 1994 and 1995, we examined the relationships between self-reported PB intake, self-reported exposures, and handgrip strength among 527 Gulf War veterans (GWVs) and 969 nondeployed veterans of that era (NDVs). We found that 25.4% and 6.7% of the GWVs and NDVs, respectively, reported generalized musucle weakness (for 1 month or longer) since the Gulf War (July 1990). Many veterans also reported exposure to insecticide during the war. Dominant handgrip strength was measured three times with a hand-held dynamometer in subjects standing with the elbow bent at a right angle. Multiple linear regression revealed that handgrip strength was negatively associated with age (p = 0.001) and female gender (p < 0.001). Handgrip strength was also found to be positively associated with height (p < 0.001), but it was not associated with PB intake (p = 0.558). Exposure to insecticides had no major effect on handgrip strength. These data suggest no association between PB intake and postwar handgrip strength.

Benefits of exercise in older persons at primary level

The National Department of Health invited comments on proposed policy guidelines on the prevention of physical inactivity in older persons at primary level. The guidelines recommended the use of exercises which are dynamic, interesting, fun, easily implemented, safe and tailored to suit the individual needs. In order to make informed comments on the policy, the aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of the recommended exercise program among older persons in a local community over a six-week period. Promoting physical activity among the participants in the study resulted in marked improvements in systolic and diastolic blood pressures, and dominant hand grip strength. The time taken to perform some selected functional tasks also improved. The findings gave credence to the need to discourage physical inactivity among older persons, but there is need to overcome formidable methodological problems in evaluating the effects of exercise intervention among older persons in the community.

Effect of Exercise and/or Fitness Education on Fitness in Older, Sedentary, Obese Women

This paper reports on fitness changes in sedentary, obese (M BMI = 32.0 kg/m2), 60- to 70-year-old women following 4 months of exercise-based intervention. One hundred eighty-two women were randomly assigned to the following groups: health and fitness education (ED) (n = 70), health and fitness education combined with aerobic training (EX) (n = 76), and control (CO) (n = 36). Pre- and postintervention assessments included predicted VO2max, body composition, resting blood pressure, muscular strength, and flexibility. Significant improvements in aerobic power (31.9%, p &lt; .001), percent body fat (−5.4%, p &lt; .05), and dominant hand-grip strength (4.1%, p &lt; .001) were found in EX compared to ED and CO. Also observed was a significant improvement in flexibility for both EX (13.8%) and ED (12.5%, p &lt; .01) compared to CO. Ninety percent (n = 164) of the women adhered to the program. Program factors contributing to adherence are discussed.

Dominant-hand to nondominant-hand grip-strength ratios of college baseball players

The purpose of this study was to observe whether the normal grip-strength ratio of the dominant hand to the non-dominant hand in college baseball players was significantly greater than that in a control group of college students. A control group (n = 44) of nonintercollegiate athletes and an experimental group (n = 44) of college baseball players, all attending college in Indianapolis, Indiana, participated in this study. The Jamar dynamometer was used to test for maximal isometric grip strength of both the dominant and the nondominant hands. The procedure followed was that recommended by the Clinical Assessment Committee of the American Society of Hand Therapists. There was no significant difference (p < .01) in the dominant- and nondominant-hand grip-strength ratios of college baseball players as compared with those of a control group of college students. The nondominant-hand grip strength was 89.78% as strong as the dominant-hand grip strength in the experimental group and was 86.75% as strong in the control group. Reasons this group of baseball players did not have higher grip-strength ratios were: 1) participation in other activities that involved both upper extremities and 2) a greater use of the nondominant hand. Also, the specificities of the grips used when gripping and throwing a baseball and when gripping the Jamar dynamometer vary greatly.

Alteration of period and amplitude of circadian rhythms in shift workers. With special reference to temperature, right and left hand grip strength.

48 male shift workers in various industries volunteered to document circadian rhythms in sleeping and working, oral temperature, grip strength of both hands, peak expiratory flow and heart rate. All physiological variables were self-measured 4 to 5 times a day for 2 to 4 weeks. Individual time series were analyzed according to several statistical methods (power spectrum, cosinor, chi squares, ANOVA, correlation, etc.) in order to estimate rhythm parameters such as circadian period (tau) and amplitude (A), and to evaluate subgroup differences with regard to tolerance to shift work, age, duration of shift work, speed of rotation and type of industry. The present study confirms for oral temperature and extends to other variables (grip strength of both hands, heart rate) that intolerance to shift work is frequently associated with both internal desynchronization and small circadian amplitude. The internal desynchronization among several circadian rhythms supports the hypothesis that these latter are driven by several oscillators. Many differences were observed between circadian rhythms in right and left hand grip strength: circadian tau in oral temperature was correlated with that in the grip strength of the dominant hand but not with that of the other hand; changes in tau s of the non-dominant hand were age-related but did not correlate with temperature tau; only the circadian A of the non-dominant hand was associated with a desynchronization. Thus, circadian rhythms in oral temperature and dominant hand grip strength may be driven by the same oscillator while that of the non-dominant hand may be governed by a different one. Internal desynchronization between both hand grip rhythms as well as desynchronization of performance rhythms reported by others provide indirect evidence that circadian oscillator(s) may be located in the human cerebral cortex.