Correlation of Hand Dominance and Body Mass Index on Maximal Isometric Handgrip Strength among Students of SKIMS Medical College, Srinagar, India

Abstract

Background: Handgrip strength (HGS) serves as an essential indicator of overall muscular strength and is influenced by factors such as Body Mass Index (BMI). This study examines the relationship between BMI and HGS in both dominant and non-dominant hands and investigates potential gender differences in these associations. Methods: Participants underwent HGS testing in both hands and had their BMI measured. Descriptive statistics and correlation analyses were used to assess the association between BMI and HGS, with additional analysis to explore gender-based differences. Results: The mean HGS was significantly higher in the dominant hand (36.41 kg) than in the non-dominant hand (34.03 kg, p = 0.05). In females, BMI correlated positively with dominant hand HGS (r = 0.245, p = 0.044) but not with the non-dominant hand. In males, BMI was strongly correlated with dominant hand HGS (r = 0.514, p < 0.001) and weakly correlated with the non-dominant hand (r = 0.284, p = 0.042). Conclusion: BMI is associated with handgrip strength, primarily in the dominant hand, with notable gender differences. Males demonstrate stronger correlations across both hands, whereas females show a significant link only in the dominant hand.

Keywords

• Handgrip strength
• Body Mass Index
• Hand dominance
• Isometric strength
• Gender differences
• Muscular strength