Trend of handgrip strength in male and female medical students from North India

ABSTRACT

Background: Handgrip strength is the maximum force produced during a maximal voluntary contraction (MVC) handgrip strength (HGS). The handgrip dynamometer is used to work out upper-body muscles, particularly those in the forearm and hand. HGS is frequently used as an objective measure of upper extremity functional integrity. HGS is a physiological characteristic influenced by a variety of parameters such as gender, age, and body size. Aims and Objectives: The objective of th study was to assess and compare HGS in healthy first-phase male and female medical subjects. Materials and Methods: In a cross-sectional research, 250 healthy 1st-year medical students between the ages of 17 and 20 participated. Maximum HGS was measured using a handgrip dynamometer. The grip strength of the dominant hand was assessed 3 times at minute intervals, as suggested by the American Society of Hand Therapists, with the higher value (in kg) reflecting the maximal HGS for each. Results: In comparison to female subjects (Mean 31.87 kg), HGS in male subjects (Mean 41.85 Kg) was statistically significant (P < 0.001). There was a statistically significant difference in height, weight, and body mass index between men and women, despite the fact that there was no statistically significant difference in mean age. Conclusion: Male individuals had stronger grips than female ones. The purpose of this study is to provide a baseline of normative data (control values) among a sample cohort of GMC Jammu medical students. This study, however, was confined to medical students between the ages of 17 and 20. We believe that diverse age groups should be studied.