Evaluation of the Hand Grip and Sheet Rope Pulling Strength in Laser Sailing Athletes by Using Hiking Bench

Abstract

This study aimed to investigate hand grip and rope-pulling strength and endurance in laser-class sailors. Seventeen laser class sailors, 15 males and two females participated in this study voluntarily. Hand grip and sheet rope-pulling tests were performed on the hiking bench. To determine the hand grip and the sheet rope-pulling strength, the loadcell and Strength Sensor Platform software were used. No significant correlation was observed between the hand grip and sheet rope-pulling strength (p > .05). A positive correlation was observed between the strengths of two hands in hand grip and sheet rope pulling (p < .01). According to endurance levels, the main effect of Force × Side interaction was significant (p=.038). For post hoc tests, sheet rope-pulling endurance was higher than the hand grip and the left was higher than the right hand grip. In conclusion, a significant correlation was observed between right and left hand grip strength. Anthropometric parameters, particularly body mass index, have a significant relationship with hand grip strength, probably due to increased muscle mass. Furthermore, significant differences in endurance levels were observed in hand grip and rope-pulling, as well as between the right and left hands. These findings highlight the importance of integrating hand grip endurance activities into training to reduce asymmetric endurance levels.