Hand grip and pinch strength: Effects of workload, hand dominance, age, and Body Mass Index

Objective: Grip and pinch strength are considered important factors which reflect proper hand function, muscle function, general weakness, nutritional status, physical activities and muscle disability. Some of the factors affecting grip and pinch strength are hand dominance, posture, elbow joint angle, height, age and gender. Present study was designed to see the effects of Workload, Hand Dominance, Age, and Body Mass Index on grip and pinch strength among university students. Methodology: This study was conducted among 82 male student, with means and standard deviation of 24.25 (3.76) years and 24.75(2.44) kg/m(2) for age and BMI, respectively. Grip and pinch strength for each participant were measured in time of rest and during light, moderate and heavy workload. Hand held dynamometer was used for measuring grip strength and pinch gauge to measure pinch strength. All Data analyses were performed using the statistical software package; SPSS-18 and analyzed with use of Pearson Correlation Statistical tests and paired sample t-test. Results: Pearson Correlation test showed that grip and pinch strength for the dominance hand was significantly higher than non-dominant hand for all workloads (p < 0.05). Study results showed that there is no significant correlation between age with grip and pinch strength (p > 0.05) but BMI considered as an effective parameter on grip and pinch strength for dominant and non-dominant hand in moderate and heavy activities (p < 0.05). Conclusion: these findings, unlike to age, workload and BMI are important factors on grip and pinch strength. This suggests that there is a need for more research to precisely evaluate the effects of these factors on grip and pinch strength.