Exploring anthropometric and functional factors that influence working adult’s handgrip strength in north Australia
Journal Publication ResearchOnline@JCUAbstract
BACKGROUND: Handgrip strength (HGS) is a reliable assessment of hand function. Interpretation of HGS is commonly done using normative data. Normative HGS data HGS considers the influence of age and gender without adjustment for anthropometric measurements or functional factors known to influence HGS. OBJECTIVE: To determine the potential relationship of select anthropometric measurements (height, weight, hand length and width, forearm length and circumference) and functional factors (hand dominance, work and lifestyle category) to HGS. METHODS: This study included a sample of 119 males and 96 female workers from North Queensland. HGS and six anthropometric measurements were obtained using calibrated instruments and reliable measurement protocols. Age and gender along with three functional factors were documented by self-report. RESULTS: Right and left mean HGS was greater for individuals who performed heavy/very heavy work (58.1±10.1kg and 54.1±10.9kg respectively) compared to light (38.5±12.3kg and 35.5±11.8kg) or medium work (44.1±10.8kg and 40.0±12.9kg). Mean HGS was greater for individuals who performed heavy/very heavy activity (right 48.5±13.6kg and left 44.5±13.7kg) compared to light activity (right 36.3±11.2kg and left 33.9±11.3kg) within their lifestyle. HGS positively correlated with gender (p=0.0001), work (p=0.001) and anthropometric measurements of forearm circumference (p =0.001), hand length (p=0.006) and hand width (p=0.052). CONCLUSIONS: Easy to measure anthropometric measurements of forearm circumference, hand length and width are the strongest predictors of HGS in addition to an individual’s physical activity at work and in their lifestyle. Consideration of these factors could lead to improved evaluation of HGS scores.
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1875-9270
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11
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IOS Press
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10.3233/WOR-230519