Laterality of handgrip strength: age- and physical training-related changes in Lithuanian schoolchildren and conscripts

Asymmetry of max grip force and max rate of grip force development among adolescents with and without intellectual disability

The human body seems symmetrical but functional asymmetry can be observed for many tasks. One of the tasks observed the functional asymmetry is grip force and rate of grip force development (RGFD). To efficiently accomplish many tasks, it is important to measure those parameters in different ages and special groups. Thus, the purpose of the study was to test asymmetry of max grip force and max RGFD among adolescents with and without intellectual disability. 41 adolescents with (IQ between 50 and 70) and 41 adolescents without intellectual disability voluntarily participated to the study. Max grip force and max RGFD was measured using a force transducer with custom-made software. The statistical analysis displayed that adolescents without intellectual disability had higher max grip force and max RGFD with their both hands compared to adolescent with intellectual disability. Interestingly, whereas adolescent without intellectual disability displayed an asymmetry between the hands both for max grip force and max RGFD, adolescents with intellectual disability had asymmetry only for max grip force but not for max RGFD. Thus, adolescents with intellectual disability may have symmetrical neurological pathways. Individuals with intellectual disability should be provided with more physical activity and/or exercise opportunities including the bimanual movements with fast and ballistic actions.

Higher Diet Quality is Associated with Lower Odds of Low Hand Grip Strength in the Korean Elderly Population

Single nutrients or food groups have been associated with physical performance. However, little is known about the association of overall diet quality with hand grip strength (HGS), a predictive parameter in the prognosis of chronic disease morbidity and mortality, or quality of life. This study examined the association between HGS and three indices-the Korean Healthy Eating Index (KHEI), the Alternate Mediterranean Diet (aMED), and Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH)-using data obtained on Korean elderly persons aged ≥65 years (n = 3675) from a nationally representative database. The cross-sectional data was collected as part of the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES, 2014-2016). Dietary intake data from the 24-h recall method were used to calculate diet quality scores. The cutoff value for low HGS was defined as the value corresponding to the lowest 20th percentile of HGS of the study population (men, 28.6 kg; women, 16.5 kg). Higher index scores for diet quality were associated with 32%-53% lower odds of low HGS. Better overall diet quality may be associated with higher HGS in the elderly Korean population.

Handgrip strength in 6-12-year-old children: The Health Oriented Pedagogical Project (HOPP)

AIMS

The aim of the study was to describe the natural course of handgrip strength development in primary school children and to establish a reference material to be used in future screening studies. In addition, the study aims to investigate a possible association between handgrip strength and cardiovascular risk factors.

METHODS

Anthropometric measures along with results for handgrip strength, endurance tests, blood pressure and cholesterol were measured on 2272 children of both sexes. An ROC analysis was used to estimate the suitability of handgrip strength as a predictor for known cardiometabolic risk factors.

RESULTS

A reference material for handgrip strength is presented for boys and girls aged 6-12 years. The results indicate that handgrip strength is unsuitable as a predictor for cardiometabolic risk factors in children.

CONCLUSIONS

The results may be used as reference values for handgrip strength in 6-12-year-old children of both sexes. Handgrip strength may not be used as a screening tool for cardiometabolic risk factors in pre-pubertal children.