Handgrip Strength In Adolescents Research Articles

Comparison between grip strength and relative grip strength in their relationship with allostatic load among adolescents

PurposeTo assess the associations of muscle strength, measure by grip strength and relative grip strength (grip strength divided by body weight), on the allostatic load (AL) index in adolescent boys and girls.MethodsA total of 1,323 students were recruited (boys = 776, girls = 547). Data on general demographic characteristics, anthropometric indicators, grip strength, blood pressure, pulse rate, and biological samples were collected. A 20-indicator-based AL index (using the AL1, AL2, and AL3 calculation methods) was used as the dependent variable. Multiple linear regression models were used to evaluate the association between grip strength, relative grip strength, and AL. All analyses were stratified by sex.ResultsThe mean age of the participants was 14.17 ± 1.45 years. Overall, the linear regression model adjusting for demografic characteristics showed that greater grip strength was associated with higher AL1 scores (R2 = 10.1%, β = 0.096, P < 0.001). Then, we further adjusted for body weight, and negative associations were observed between grip strength and AL1 (R2 = 35.3%, β = -0.027, P = 0.030). However, after sex stratification, this association was not statistically significant in girls. Moreover, relative grip strength was negatively associated with AL1 (R2 = 14.8%, β = -8.529, P < 0.001) after adjusting for demographic characteristics in the total sample. Specifically, relative grip strength was more strongly associated with the AL1 burden in boys than in girls. Finally, sensitivity analyses of AL2 and AL3 yielded similar results.ConclusionWe observed that compared with grip strength, relative grip strength might be a useful indicator for the identification of AL burden in adolescents. The results suggest that strengthening relative handgrip strength in adolescents might help reduce the AL burden, especially in boys.

Secular trends and sociodemographic, biological, and behavioural factors associated with handgrip strength in adolescents in southern Brazil: An allometric approach

ABSTRACT The purpose of this study was to analyse secular trend in handgrip strength (HGS) in adolescents using an allometric approach and identify the factors associated. The sample comprised 657 and 1004 adolescents (14 to 19 years) in 2007 and 2017/2018, respectively, of public schools in Florianópolis, Brazil. The dependent variable was HGS normalised to body mass and height. Covariance analysis was used to examine secular trends in HGS, and multiple linear regression was used to identify associated factors. The independent variables were sociodemographic, biological, and behavioural factors. Comparison of HGS between surveys indicated a negative secular trend in both sexes (p < 0.001). In boys, there was a positive association of HGS with age and FFM in both surveys. In 2017/18, there was a positive association with sexual maturation and a negative association with sitting time and fat percentage. In girls, FFM was positively associated with HGS in both surveys. In 2007, there were positive associations of HGS with age and vigorous physical activity, whereas, in 2017/18, negative associations were observed with economic level and sitting time. The findings of the present study show a decline in adolescent HGS. And behavioural changes appear to be contributing to declines in HGS.

Is sleep time associated with handgrip strength in adolescents from the 1997/1998 São Luís Birth Cohort?

This article aims to analyze the association between sleep time and handgrip strength in adolescents belonging to the 1997/1998 São Luís Birth Cohort. This was a cross-sectional study nested in a birth cohort study. One thousand two hundred sixty-nine individuals (18 and 19 years) wore an Actigraph® GTX3+ accelerometer on their wrist 24 hr/day for 7 consecutive days. Handgrip strength was measured using a digital hand dynamometer. We used directed acyclic graphs (DAG) to identify confounding variables. This sample of adolescents was mostly composed of men, with brown skin color, economic class C, which did not work, did not consume alcohol, did not smoke, and never used drugs. The mean value of handgrip strength was 28.2 (±9.3) kgf, and the mean of sleep time was 6 (±1.0) hours per day. The crude analysis showed an association between sleep time and muscle strength. An increase of one hour of sleep reduced the handgrip strength by 1.95 kgf (95%CI:-2.51;-1.39). However, after adjustment for confounders, the association was not maintained (β:-0.07; 95%CI:-0.48;0.36). Sleep time is not associated with handgrip strength in adolescents in São Luís.

Raw bioelectrical impedance analysis variables (phase angle and impedance ratio) are significant predictors of hand grip strength in adolescents and young adults

Musculoskeletal fitness and body composition are major components of health-related physical fitness that are expected to be linked to each other. The aim of this study was to explore the association of musculoskeletal fitness (expressed as hand grip strength [HGS]) and raw bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) variables and other predictors in the second and third decades of life.Four groups of healthy normal-weight and overweight participants were studied: 130 male adolescents (age 16.0 ± 1.1 y), 143 female adolescents (16.0 ± 0.9 y), 141 young men (25.5 ± 2.0 y), and 141 young women (25.2 ± 1.9 y). Raw BIA variables (impedance [Z] and phase angle [PhA]) for the whole body were measured at four frequencies (5, 50, 100, and 250 kHz), and HGS was measured in both upper limbs.HGS was higher in males than females and higher in young men than male adolescents. A fairly strong correlation emerged in both genders between HGS and raw BIA variables-that is, bioimpedance index (height2/Z), PhA, and impedance ratios (Z at high frequency/Z at low frequency). In multiple regression analysis, bioimpedance index, PhA, and impedance ratio were more effective predictors of HGS than BIA-derived estimates of body composition or anthropometric variables such as height, weight, and body mass index. In both genders, HGS was significantly higher in young adults than in adolescents for the same PhA or impedance ratio.This study provides some insight into the use of raw BIA variables and HGS in the first decades of life, suggesting a new approach for a reliable assessment of muscle quality in terms of both muscle structure and strength.

Normative values of handgrip strength in adolescents according to chronological age and sexual maturation

Aim: Handgrip strength is considered an important health indicator. It is extremely important to establish normative values so that the handgrip strength is correctly interpreted in adolescents. The present study aims to establish normative values of handgrip strength (HGS) for adolescents, according to chronological age and sexual maturation. Methods: Data from three large projects carried out in Florianopolis and São José, Santa Catarina were used, corresponding to a sample of 2,637 adolescents aged 14 to 19 years old of both sexes (1,428 girls). The HGS of the right and left hands was measured by a manual dynamometer, and total HGS being defined by the sum of the left hand and the right-hand strength. Sexual maturation was determined by the development of pubic hair. The percentiles 3, 10, 15, 25, 50, 75, 85, 90, and 97 were calculated for the right, left, and total HGS. The percentile ranges < p15 (low), p15-p85 (normal) and > p85 (high) were used. ANOVA and Kruskal-Wallis tests were applied. Results: In boys, the mean total HGS ranged from 67.5 ± 16.5 to 86.9 ± 21.8 (p < 0.001) and 74.3 ± 17.5 to 82.2 ± 17.8 (p < 0.001) for age and sexual maturation, respectively, while in girls the mean HGS total ranged from 48.8 ± 11.3 to 56.4 ± 16.0 (p = 0.127) and 47.8 ± 10.6 to 54.3 ± 12.3 (p < 0.001). Conclusion: Reference values established by the percentile score, can be used to identify adolescents with better athletic condition and can be useful for prescribing exercises.

Hand span influences optimal grip span in adolescents with Down syndrome

The hand grip strength test provides useful and reliable information about overall health. Different studies have investigated the optimal grip span for determining maximal hand grip strength in different populations such as adults, adolescents and children without disabilities. To ascertain whether there is an optimal grip span for determining maximal hand grip strength in adolescents with Down syndrome (DS). Twenty-seven right-handed youths with DS (seven females) aged 15.5 ± 3.6 years were evaluated in this methodological study. Each hand was randomly tested on ten times using five different grip spans, allowing one-minute rest between attempts. The hand span was measured from the tip of the thumb to the tip of the small finger with the hand widely opened. To confirm the usefulness of the optimal grip span, a new group of 15 adolescents with DS were recruited. An optimal grip span was identified for the dominant hand in adolescents with DS. The equation relating grip span as a function of dominant hand span in this group is formulated as follows: y = 0.342x - 1.161 cm (r = 0.63, p < 0.05). In the case of non-dominant hand, a tendency towards a linear association (p = 0.058) was found; the equation is formulated as follows: y = 0,210x + 1.324 cm. It is important to standardize the procedure and increase reliability when measuring hand grip strength in DS population. The values stated in this study are recommended to assess hand grip strength in adolescents with Down syndrome.

Decreased Hand-Grip Strength in Adolescents and Adults with Congenital Heart Disease Depending on Cyanosis

Decreased Hand-Grip Strength in Adolescents and Adults with Congenital Heart Disease Depending on Cyanosis

Elbow Position Affects Handgrip Strength in Adolescents: Validity and Reliability of Jamar, DynEx, and TKK Dynamometers

We examined whether elbow position affects the handgrip strength in adolescents. The criterion-related validity and reliability of the Jamar, DynEx, and TKK dynamometers were also analyzed. A total of 66 adolescents aged 12 to16 years performed the handgrip strength test with the elbow extended and flexed at 90 degrees . The validity and reliability of the Jamar, DynEx, and TKK dynamometers was analysed by using known weights. The highest score was obtained when the test was performed with the elbow in full extension and when using the TKK dynamometer. The criterion-related validity analyses showed a systematic bias of -1.92, -1.43, and 0.49 kg for the Jamar, DynEx, and TKK dynamometers, respectively (all p < 0.05). The reliability analyses revealed a systematic bias of 0.23, 0.26, and 0.02 kg in the Jamar, DynEx, and TKK dynamometers, respectively (all p > 0.05). Performing the handgrip strength test with the elbow extended appears the most appropriate protocol to evaluate maximal handgrip strength in adolescents when using the TKK. In addition, the TKK dynamometer appears to provide the highest criterion-related validity and reliability. The present study provides useful and relevant information indicating which elbow position, and which type of dynamometer, yield maximal handgrip strength in adolescents.

Are Muscular and Cardiovascular Fitness Partially Programmed at Birth? Role of Body Composition

To determine whether birth weight is associated with handgrip strength and cardiovascular fitness in adolescence and, if so, how these associations are influenced by current body composition. A total of 1801 adolescents (983 females), age 13 to 18.5 years, from the AVENA (Alimentación y Valoración del Estado Nutricional de los Adolescentes Españoles [Food and Assessment of the Nutritional Status of Spanish Adolescents]) study were evaluated. Handgrip strength and cardiovascular fitness were assessed using the handgrip test and the 20-m shuttle run test, respectively. Birth weight was positively associated with handgrip strength in females after controlling for current age, gestational age, breast-feeding, and adolescent body mass index (P = .002), body fat percentage (P < .001), or waist circumference (P = .005), but not after controlling for fat-free mass. The associations were similar yet weaker in males. Females with high birth weight (>90th percentile) had greater handgrip strength than those with normal (10th to 90th percentile) or low (<10th percentile) birth weight, after adjusting for body fat percentage (P = .004). All of the differences became nonsignificant after adjusting for adolescent fat-free mass. Birth weight was not associated with cardiovascular fitness. High birth weight is associated with greater handgrip strength in adolescents, especially in females, yet these associations seem to be highly explained by fat-free mass.