Hand Grip Strength In Children Research Articles

Weight-Specific Grip Strength as a Novel Indicator Associated with Cardiometabolic Risk in Children: The EMSNGS Study.

Handgrip strength (HGS) is an important indicator of sarcopenia and adverse health outcomes. However, evaluating HGS in children presents challenges, and its association with metabolism remains incompletely understood. To establish grip strength reference values for Chinese children and adolescents, as well as to evaluate the relationship between HGS and cardiometabolic risk. Data were collected from 4 072 participants aged 6-18 as part of the Evaluation and Monitoring on School-based Nutrition and Growth in Shenzhen (EMSNGS) study. HGS was measured, and relative HGS (RHGS) was normalized by body mass index. Age- or weight-specific HGS and RHGS were derived using the generalized additive model of location, scale, and shape (GAMLSS) model, and participants' values were categorized into quartiles, defining low strength as the lowest quartile. The cardiometabolic risk index (CMRI) z-score was calculated, with high risk defined as a z-score of ≥ 1. Both boys and girls exhibited similar increases in age- and weight-specific grip strength. Low grip strength, classified by weight-specific HGS and RHGS, was linked to higher CMRI z-scores compared to classifications based on age-specific references in both sexes. A dose-dependent relationship was observed between weight-specific grip strength and cardiometabolic risk, particularly in boys. Compared to the middle category (P25th-P75th), the odds ratios for high cardiometabolic risks associated with low grip strength increased in both sexes. This study established grip strength reference values for Chinese youth, introduced the concept of weight-specific HGS and RHGS, and demonstrated a dose-dependent relationship between weight-specific grip strength and cardiometabolic risk. These findings highlighted the association between low muscle strength and increased cardiometabolic risk.

Comparison of the Conjunct Effects of Electrical Stimulation and Whole-Body Vibration Therapy with Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation and Whole-body Vibration Therapy on Balance and Function in Children With Spastic Cerebral Palsy.

Cerebral palsy is a neurodevelopmental condition that results in impaired movement and posture, often accompanied by disturbances in balance and functional abilities. Recent advances in neurorehabilitation, including whole-body vibration therapy (WBVT), functional electrical stimulation, and transcranial direct current stimulation, show promise in enhancing traditional interventions and fostering neuroplasticity. However, the efficacy of their conjunct effects remains largely uncharted territory and warrants further exploration. The objective of the study was to compare the conjunct effects of functional electrical stimulation (FES) and WBVT with transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) and WBVT on lower extremity range of motion (ROM), dynamic balance, functional mobility, isometric muscle strength and hand grip strength in children with spastic cerebral palsy. A randomized clinical trial was carried out on 42 children of both genders with spastic cerebral palsy, aged 5-15 years. The childrenwere dividedat random into three groups (14 in each group).In Group A, there were three (21.42%) males and 11 (78.57%) females, in Group B, eight (57.14%) were males and six (42.85%) were females, and in Group C, six (42.85%) children were males and eight (57.14%) were females. Group A received WBVT only, Group B received WBVT and FES, and Group C received WBVT and tDCS. The intervention was applied four times a week for four consecutive weeks. The data was collected two times before and immediatelyafter four weeks of intervention. Lower extremity ROM was measured by a goniometer, functional mobility or dynamic balance was measured by a Time Up and Go test, isometric muscle strength was measured by a digital force gauge, and hand grip strength was assessed by a digital hand-held dynamometer. IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, Version 27.0 (Released 2020; IBM Corp., Armonk, New York, United States) was utilized for statistical analysis. The mean age of the children in groups A, B, and C was 12.21±2.11 years, 11.71±2.01, and 11.07±2.01 years respectively. Intergroup analysis revealed a statistically significant difference (p<0.05) in the lower extremity range of motion, and functional mobility. Hand grip strength and isometric muscle strength between three groups. Post hoc analysis revealed that WBVT with transcranial direct current stimulation combined showed the most improvement. The study concluded that positive effects were seen in all three groups but tDCS with WBVT was found to be most effective in improving lower extremity ROM, functional mobility or dynamic balance, isometric muscle strength, and hand grip strength in children with spastic CP. The differences between the groups were statistically significant. The effect size was substantial enough to surpass established clinical benchmarks, indicating that the observed improvements are likely to have meaningful and beneficial impacts on patient outcomes.

Evaluation of handgrip strength in children with pulmonary hypertension.

Handgrip strength is a crucial indicator of upper extremity muscular strength and is vital for monitoring disorders like cardiac diseases that restrict a patient's physical activity and result in muscle atrophy. The aim of our study was to evaluate whether muscle strength loss is present in patients with pulmonary hypertension and whether this test can be an alternative to 6-minute walk test. The study included 39 healthy children who were admitted to the outpatient clinic and 16 children with a diagnosis of pulmonary hypertension who were being followed in our centre. We assessed the differences in upper extremity handgrip strength using the Jamar Hydraulic Hand Dynamometer device among both healthy children and those diagnosed with pulmonary hypertension. Moreover, we compared the handgrip strength of pulmonary hypertension patients with significant prognostic indicators such as NYHA class, 6-minute walk test, and pro-brain natriuretic peptide. The mean dominant handgrip strength was 20.8 ± 12 kg in the patient group and 21.6 ± 12.4 kg in the control group (p = 0.970). Handgrip strength was shown to be negatively connected with pro-brain natriuretic peptide (r = -0.565, p = 0.023) and positively correlated with 6-minute walk test (r = 0.586, p = 0.022) during the patient group evaluation. Six-minute walk test needs a customised physical area (30 m of a straight hallway) and trained personnel for applying the test. The handgrip strength test, a different muscle strength indicator, can be used to more clearly and simply indicate the decline in patients' ability for effort. Additionally, it was found in our study that handgrip strength decreased as pro-brain natriuretic peptide levels rose, a crucial measure in the monitoring of pulmonary hypertension.

Gender differences in hand grip strength of children in Bosnia and Herzegovina aged 11 to 14 years. A cross - sectional study

Hand grip strength (HGS) serves as a multifaceted and critical parameter within the domain of motor function and is widely recognized as a pivotal aspect in the comprehensive evaluation of the development of school-aged children. The aim of the research was to determine the values of HGS, the trend of changes and differences between boys and girls aged 11-14 years from Bosnia and Herzegovina. A cross-sectional survey was conducted on a sample of 585 students. The subsample was divided into 307 boys (11y = 81; 12y = 87; 13y = 77; 14y = 62) and 278 girls (11y = 66; 12y = 83; 13 y =79; 14y = 50). Hand muscle strength was measured using the method of isometric dynamometry in laboratory conditions, with a standardized test - Hand grip (according to the American Society of Hand Therapists). The force achieved during the maximum hand grip (dynamometry) was measured with a digital hand dynamometer CAMRY-EH101, USA. Statistically significant differences between male and female respondents were confirmed (for age 12, T = -2.651, p&lt;0.009; for age 13, T =-5.178; p&lt;0.000; for age 14, T =-7.124; p&lt;0.000). In both sexes, the dominance of the strength of the right (dominant) hand than left (non-dominant) hand is evident. The study confirmed a positive trend of strength development in both sexes, as well as gender differences in the HGS test between children aged 12 to 14 years.

562 Handgrip strength in children with cystic fibrosis: is there a correlation with lung function?

562 Handgrip strength in children with cystic fibrosis: is there a correlation with lung function?

Investigation of cardiopulmonary parameters, motor development and muscle strength in children with Down syndrome with and without congenital heart disease.

Children with Down syndrome (DS) frequently have concomitant clinical problems. There are no studies in the literature evaluating gross motor development and handgrip strength in the presence of congenital heart disease (CHD), which is one of the most common comorbidities in population with DS. The aim of this study was to compare cardiopulmonary parameters, gross motor development and handgrip strength in children with DS with and without CHD. A total of 28 children with DS (14 with CHD and 14 without CHD) were evaluated. Demographic data and cardiopulmonary parameters were recorded. Gross motor development and handgrip strength were assessed. Children with DS and CHD had lower GMFM-88 scores and right handgrip strength and higher Wang respiratory score than children with DS and no CHD (P<0.05). GMFM-88 scores were moderately correlated with resting oxygen saturation (r=0.46, P=0.01) and right handgrip strength (r=0.67, P<0.001). Peripheral muscle strength and oxygen saturation may be factors affecting gross motor development in children with DS. From this point of view, evaluating cardiopulmonary parameters, motor development and handgrip strength in children with DS and CHD is important to identify risks, provide early intervention and support development.

RETRACTED ARTICLE: The Relations Between Blood Pressure and Handgrip Strength in Children

Background. Studies, previously completed, announce that the handgrip strength as a measurement for assessing muscle fitness is associated with cardiovascular risk factors. Yet, the relation of handgrip strength to the blood pressure in children is inconsistent. Therefore, we conducted the present research aiming to establish the relation of the handgrip strength to the blood pressure in Macedonian children from the Skopje region. Materials and methods. The research was conducted on a sample of 1076 children (534 boys and 542 girls), whereby the following characteristics were measured: blood pressure, handgrip strength, weight, height, body fat percentage, waist circumference and the body mass index (BMI) was calculated. General linear models were used to examine the association between handgrip strength and the outcome variables. Results. After the adjustment of age, gender, BMI, body fat percentage and waist circumference, the handgrip strength was statistically significantly positively associated to both systolic (P&lt;0.0001) and diastolic (P=0.02) blood pressure. There was a growing trend of the systolic blood pressure as the handgrip strength increased from the lower quartile to the upper quartile with 3,7 mm Hg difference between the upper and lower quartile (P for trend = 0.03). In this research, it was not established a statistically significant trend of the diastolic blood pressure as the hand grip strength increases from the lower quartile to the upper quartile (P for trend=0.09). Conclusions. The muscle fitness has a positive correlation with the blood pressure in the respondents. The implications and the basic mechanisms of these results require further research studies.

Relationships of BMI, muscle-to-fat ratio, and handgrip strength-to-BMI ratio to physical fitness in Spanish children and adolescents

This study aimed to determine the relationship of body mass index (BMI), muscle-to-fat ratio (MFR), and handgrip strength-to-BMI ratio to physical fitness parameters in an active young population according to sex across four different time points. A total of 2256 Spanish children and adolescents (aged 5–18) from rural areas participating in an extracurricular sport in different municipal sports schools participated in this study. Participants were divided into children (5–10 years) and adolescents (11–18 years), boys and girls, and across four different time points (2018, 2019, 2020, 2021). Data on anthropometric measures (BMI, MFR, appendicular skeletal muscle mass) and physical fitness (handgrip strength, cardiorespiratory fitness, and vertical jump) were collected. Boys who were overweight, but especially boys with obesity, had higher absolute handgrip strength in children and adolescents than their normal weight counterparts in 2020 and 2021. Boys and girls with normal weight presented higher cardiorespiratory fitness and vertical jump than their overweight and obese peers over the years. The MFR was directly correlated with the cardiorespiratory fitness and vertical jump variables, but not with handgrip strength, in boys and girls. The handgrip strength-to-BMI ratio in both sexes was positively correlated to the different physical fitness parameters. Conclusion: BMI, MFR, and handgrip strength-to-BMI can be used as health and physical fitness indicators in this population.What is Known:• BMI is the main indicator commonly used as a proxy for obesity for many years. Nevertheless, it cannot differentiate between fat mass and fat-free mass.• There are other indicators such as MFR and handgrip strength-to-BMI that might be more accurate and can serve to monitor the health and fitness of children and adolescents.What is New:• MFR showed a positive and significant correlation with cardiorespiratory fitness and vertical jump in both sexes. On the other hand, the handgrip strength-to-BMI presented a positive correlation with cardiorespiratory fitness, vertical jump, and handgrip strength.• The use of these indicators obtained through different parameters of body composition and physical fitness can serve as a tool to identify the relationships of the paediatric population with physical fitness.

Reference Values of Absolute and Relative Handgrip Strength in Chilean Schoolchildren with Intellectual Disabilities.

Handgrip strength is a simple measure of general muscle strength and is related to functionality in people with intellectual disabilities. The objective of this research was to describe the normative values of absolute and relative handgrip strength in children, adolescents and adults according to sex. The sample was made up of 264 schoolchildren (n = 168 men) belonging to five special education schools in Santiago of Chile. The results show higher levels of absolute handgrip strength in males compared to females. The maximum peak of the absolute manual handgrip is reached in females in adolescence with a decrease in adulthood. Relative handgrip strength levels are similar in boys and girls. In females, the relative handgrip strength is similar in childhood and adolescence. Relative handgrip strength declines in both sexes from adolescence to adulthood. The reference values of this study can be used by professionals in the areas of health and education as a guide for interpretation, monitoring and follow-up of Chilean schooled people with intellectual disabilities.

Children with Low Handgrip Strength: A Narrative Review of Possible Exercise Strategies to Improve Its Development.

Handgrip strength (HGS) is a predictor of health in both children and adults. Evidence suggests that without a possible strategy, children with low HGS may become adults with low HGS. However, little is known about what strategies are effective for children with low HGS to achieve a higher baseline level in adulthood. This narrative review aimed to investigate whether physical exercise interventions could improve HGS in children. The relevant databases/search engine was searched using keywords related to the main topics discussed throughout this review. Our findings suggest that it may not be possible to improve HGS over that observed from normal development with physical education or traditional resistance-training programs. However, if the training program includes exercises that directly stimulate the forearm/hand muscle groups to grip, it may be possible to obtain changes in HGS that exceed the changes due to normal developmental growth. Although there are associations between HGS and markers of health, no research could be identified that examined whether increasing HGS would lead to an improvement in health. If an increase in HGS really does represent an improvement in long-term health, then gripping exercise may need to be included into physical activity programs during the growth/development phase.

Alterations of hand muscle strength in children due to schoolbag carriage

BACKGROUND: Heavy schoolbag carriage induces pain and fatigue in children. It can alter the handgrip strength (HGS) in children – an important parameter given that most activities in school curriculum require hand dexterity. The purpose of this study is to explore if and how schoolbag carriage influence HGS in children. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty-five healthy male participants (10–15 years) walked without schoolbag (0% load of bodyweight) or with schoolbags (weighing 4%, 8%, 12%, or 16% of their bodyweight) for 20 min on plane surface at preferred pace. The number of steps taken during walk was measured using pedometer. HGS was measured before and after each walk using dynamometer. The heart rate during walk was measured using Polar HR monitor. Pain occurrence in the entire body was mapped. RESULTS: HGS averaged for both hand decreased from 17.8 (±6.72) kg to 17.3 (±6.28) kg after 20-min walk (P = 0.033, paired sample t-test). The adopted speed and heart rate was higher when carrying a schoolbag but it portrayed no significant association with HGS. Occurrence of shoulder pain significantly associated with increasing in HGS of right hand after walking (Phi coefficient = 0.21[P = 0.030]). If shoulder pain was perceived during walk, there was a 2.5 times higher likelihood that the participants' HGS for right hand increased (odd's ratio = 2.515, 95% confidence interval = 1.086–5.825). CONCLUSION: Schoolbag carriage reduces HGS in children. Therefore, performing upper body conditioning exercises may help ameliorate the ill effects of heavy backpack carriage.

Correlation between selective motor control and upper extremity function in children with hemiparesis

Background: Impairedselective motor control is a common problem in children with hemiparesis; it interferes with upper extremity function and grip strength of the affected side. Aim: To study the relationship between selective motor control and upper extremity function in children with hemiparesis. Methods: This study included a convenient sample of 48 children with hemiparesis (age; four to eight years). The test of arm selective control, quality of upper extremity skill test, and hand held dynamometers were used to assess the selective motor control, upper extremityfunction and hand grip strength respectively. Results: The results showed positive significant correlation (p&gt; 0.05) between test of arm selective control with upper extremityfunction (r=0.85) and hand grip strength (r=0.77). Moreover, there was positive significant correlation between upper extremityfunction and hand grip strength (r=0.72). Conclusion: Selective motor control is positively correlated with upper extremityfunction and hand grip strength in children with hemiparesis. The results help in the development of appropriate treatment programs for the rehabilitation of children with hemiplegia. Keywords: Cerebral palsy; Hand grip strength; Selective motor control; Unilateral cerebral palsy; Upper extremity function.

The effects of exergames on muscle strength: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

This systematic review and meta-analysis examined studies on the chronic effects of exergames on muscle strength in humans. PubMed, Scopus, CENTRAL, Web of Science, SciELO, Biblioteca Virtual em Saúde, and Google Scholar were searched, and manual searches of the reference lists of included studies and hand-searches on Physiotherapy Evidence Database and ResearchGate were conducted from inception to August 10, 2020. Randomized and non-randomized exergame intervention studies with or without a non-exercise group and/or a "usual care intervention group" (any other intervention that did not incorporate exergames), which evaluated muscle strength through direct measurements, were included. Forty-seven and 25 studies were included in the qualitative review and meta-analysis, respectively. The between-groups meta-analyses showed no significant differences between exergames and non-exercise control groups for handgrip strength in heathy/unhealthy middle-aged/older adults or knee extension maximum voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC) in healthy older adults. However, exergames provided a greater increase in handgrip strength, knee flexion MVIC, and elbow extension MVIC, but not knee extension MVIC or elbow flexion MVIC, in individuals with different health statuses when compared to usual care interventions. Also, there was a greater increase in handgrip strength in children with hemiplegic cerebral palsy favouring usual care plus exergames compared to usual care interventions. These results suggest that exergames may improve upper and lower limb muscle strength in individuals with different heath statuses compared to usual care interventions, but not muscle strength in middle age/older adults after accounting for random error. Also, exergames appear to be a useful tool for improving handgrip strength in children with hemiplegic cerebral palsy when added to usual care. However, as the exergame interventions were applied in different populations and there currently are many different approaches to perform exergames, future randomized controlled trials with high methodological quality and large sample sizes are needed to provide more compelling evidence in favour of a specific exergame protocol, or to elucidate exergame protocol design principles that appear to strongly influence outcomes.

The effect of a natural disaster on handgrip strength in prepubertal Indian children exposed to a severe cyclone during the prenatal and early postnatal growth

Natural disasters (NDs) experienced by women and their children during prenatal and infant growth may have long-lasting effects on offspring’s development. Handgrip strength (HGS) is one of the measures of muscular strength and an indicator of health status. This study compared HGS in children exposed to cyclone Aila in India during their prenatal and infant growth compared to a control group from a non-affected, adjacent area. The total sample involved 444 boys and 423 girls aged 7–9 years, categorised into 3 groups: prenatally exposed to Aila, exposed to Aila in infancy, and the control group, non-exposed to Aila. Results revealed that prenatally exposed children of both sexes had significantly lower HGS than the controls (at least, p < 0.001 in boys; p < 0.05 in girls). On the other hand, the postnatally exposed boys, but not the girls, showed lower HGS than the controls. A significant effect of a group factor (ND exposure) on HGS was observed even after controlling for confounding variables (age, height, BMI, birth weight, gestational age; at least, p < 0.05). Our findings indicate that prenatal or early postnatal experience of a ND may have association with impaired HGS in prepubertal children.

Changes in handgrip strength in children with cystic fibrosis compared to children without cystic fibrosis.

Cystic Fibrosis (CF) may impact nutritional status. Handgrip strength (HGS) may be used for nutrition assessment. The objective of the study was to evaluate changes in HGS over time in children with CF compared to children without CF. A secondary purpose was to analyze the relationship of clinical characteristics of CF with HGS. A prospective, longitudinal study was conducted. The non-CF group (n=76) was recruited from a school and the CF group (n=75) from an accredited CF center. Height, weight, mid-upper arm circumference, triceps skinfold, and HGS were measured at baseline and approximately three and six months in both groups. Data for pulmonary function, nutrition risk, enteral supplementation, CF transmembrane conductance regulator modulator, steroids, antibiotics, vitamin levels, CF related diabetes (CFRD), and recent hospitalization were collected for the CF group. A mixed model determined the difference in the change in HGS between the CF group and the non-CF group. For all analyses, p=<0.05 was significant. The rate of change in HGS z-score in the CF-group (0.18±0.05) versus the non-CF group (0.06±0.06) was not significant (p=0.15). Initial mean dominant HGS z-score was significantly lower (p=0.02) in those with vitamin D deficiency (-1.35±0.09) versus those without (-1.02±0.11). HGS z-score significantly (p=0.02) decreased over time in children with CFRD (-0.19±0.22) versus children without CFRD (0.32±0.14), p=0.02. Serial measurements of HGS may help detect changes in muscle function related to CFRD and vitamin D deficiency. Further investigation is warranted to elucidate HGS's role in nutrition assessment of children with CF.

Influence of shoulder stabilization exercises on hand grip strength in children with Down syndrome: randomized clinical trial

BackgroundChildren with Down syndrome (DS) are characterized by hypotonia resulting in reduced grip and pinch strength. This study aimed to investigate the influence of shoulder stabilization exercises on hand grip strength in children with Down syndrome. Thirty children with DS assigned randomly into 2 groups each group consists of 15 children. Handheld Dynamometer was used to measure grip strength and different pinch grasps for both groups before and after treatment. Both groups receive the same vocational school activities and the study group receives shoulder stabilization exercises for 3 months.ResultsResults revealed significant increase in the grip strength and different pinch grasps for dominant and non-dominant hands post-treatment in both groups as the main effect of time was statistically significant. Study group showed significant improvement than the control group post-treatment as the main effect of group and time × group interaction effect was statistically significant for dominant and non-dominant hands.ConclusionShoulder stabilization exercises and regular vocational school activities have a positive effect on different grip strength in children with Down syndrome.Trial registrationPACTR201907896910981. Registered 5 July 2019. A written consent form was introduced to all participant and signed by their parents.

The effect of elbow position on the handgrip strength test in children: validity and reliability of TKK 5101 and DynX dynamometers

Background and Study Aim: One of the most widely applied methods to assess upper-body strength in children and adolescents is the handgrip strength test. While in adolescents it has been determined which elbow position, and which type of dynamometer are most appropriate for achieving the maximal grip strength, in children is still not clear. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to investigate whether elbow position and the type of dynamometer affect the handgrip strength in children.&#x0D; Material and Methods: Grip strength was measured by TKK and DynX dynamometers, and their validity and reliability were also analysed. A total of 60 children, 6 to 11 years old, participated in this study, and performed the handgrip strength test with their elbow extended and flexed at 90°.&#x0D; Results: While using the TKK dynamometer, grip strength was significantly higher when the test was performed with elbow extended, in contrast to those obtained with elbow flexed (14.58±3.04 kg vs 12.97±2.99 kg, p&lt;0.001 for right, and 14.25±3.05 kg vs 12.61±2.99 kg, p&lt;0.001 for left hand). Likewise, when using the DynX dynamometer, the difference between the two elbow positions was smaller but still significant (13.84±3.22 kg vs 13.35±3.01 kg, p=0.035 for right, and 13.35±2.95 kg vs 12.77±2.96 kg, p=0.003 for left hand).&#x0D; Conclusions: Both dynamometers provided sufficient results in terms of their reliability and the TKK dynamometer showed to be more valid. Performing the handgrip strength test with elbow extended appears to be the most appropriate position in order to obtain maximal results in children.

AVALIAÇÃO FUNCIONAL DE CRIANÇAS E ADOLESCENTES COM PARALISIA CEREBRAL PRATICANTES DE REMO INDOOR

Este estudo objetivou avaliar o controle de tronco, o sentar e a força de preensão manual de crianças e adolescentes com Paralisia Cerebral (PC) e caracterizou o movimento de remar. Participaram do estudo crianças e adolescentes com idade entre 8 e 18 anos, com diagnóstico de PC, do tipo espástica diparética GMFCS III e IV. Foram utilizados os respectivos instrumentos de avaliação: para o controle do tronco - Avaliação Segmentar do Controle de Tronco (SATCo-Br); para a avaliação do sentar, a escala Medida da Função Motora Grossa-66 (GMFM-66) e para avaliação da medida de força de preensão manual utilizaremos um dinamômetro. A análise de correlação da força muscular direita (D) e os movimentos durante a ação de remar revelou correlação moderada entre a força de preensão manual a D nos indivíduos com PC espástica diparética, independente da classificação pelo GMFCS e o movimento de estender os joelhos durante a ação de remar (r=-0,510; p=0,044). Não houve correlação da FPM D com os demais movimentos durante a ação de remar. O presente estudo caracterizou o movimento de remar em crianças e adolescentes com PC classificadas no GMFCS III e IV. Esses dados podem ser úteis no direcionamento e planejamento das intervenções clínicas de indivíduos com PC praticantes de remo.&#x0D; Recebido em: 11/10/2019Aceito em: 01/12/2019

Exposure to parental smoking during pregnancy and handgrip strength in 7–10-year old children

BackgroundMaternal smoking during pregnancy is a risk factor associated with intrauterine growth retardation and postnatal complications. AimTo assess the relationship between prenatal exposure to smoking on hand grip strength in children 7–10 years of age. Study designGeneralized Linear Model (GLM) was used to assess the relationship between grip strength and smoking status of parents, controlling for social status, birth outcome and body size. Outcome measuresHeight, weight and hand grip strength were measured by trained staff. Smoking status of both parents during pregnancy, mother's level of education and birth outcome were reported by questionnaire. Subjects734 records (297 boys, 437 girls) of healthy children aged 7–10 years from a survey conducted in 2001–2003 in randomly selected primary schools of Łódź. Results/conclusionBoys exposed to both maternal and paternal smoking during prenatal life showed lower muscular strength at 7–10 years, but a similar relationship was not observed in girls. Intrauterine hypoxia due to maternal smoking during pregnancy and subsequent postnatal exposure to maternal and paternal smoking may have attenuated the formation and subsequent development of muscle fibres in boys.

Normative data for handgrip strength in children and adolescents in the Maule Region, Chile: Evaluation based on chronological and biological age.

BackgroundHand grip strength (HGS) is associated with a number of causes resulting in cardiovascular death, in addition to bone fragility, and the presence of sarcopenia. The goal of our study was to analyze HGS of students based on chronological and biological age and propose normative standards for children and adolescents from Chile.MethodsWe studied 4604 school children of both sexes between the ages of 6.0 and 17.9 years of age. Weight, standing height, sitting height, and hand grip strength (HGS- right and left) were measured. The Body Mass Index (BMI) was calculated, and the biological age was calculated by using age at peak height velocity (APHV).ResultsWhen arranged by chronological age, no significant differences occurred in HGS between both sexes of school children from age 6 to 12 years of age. However, from ages 13 to 17, males showed greater HGS than females. Significant differences also emerged between both sexes and at all levels for biological age (APHV). For males, chronological age explained the HGS occurring between 0.74 to 0.75% and for females between 0.54 to 0.59%. For males, biological age explained the HGS for the range of 0.79 to 0.80% and 0.62 to 0.67% for females. The normative data for HGS for both sexes is expressed in percentiles.ConclusionsHGS during childhood and adolescence needs be analyzed and interpreted in terms of biological age rather than chronological age. The normative data to evaluate the HGS are a tool that can help professionals working in clinical and epidemiological contexts.