Correlation of Handgrip Strength With Arm Anthropometric Variables in Cricketers

Abstract

To estimate correlation of handgrip strength with arm anthropometric variables of dominant side. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 241 male cricketers from July 2017 to August 2018 in Lahore using convenient sampling. Arm anthropometric variables and handgrip strength of dominant side were measured by standard anthropometric techniques & formulas. Pearson correlation coefficient & linear regression analysis were applied to find out extent of relationship. RESULTS: Mean age of 241 players is 25.19±3.493 years. Out of 241 players, 74 (30%) players were batsmen, 69 (29%) were bowlers, 14 (6%) were wicket keepers and 84 (35%) were all-rounder players. Mean handgrip strength of study participants was 65.783±3.365 kg. Mean values for various anthropometric variables included triceps skinfold thickness (13.807±0.815 mm), subscapular skinfold thickness (16.552±0.763 mm), mid arm 2 circumference (33.398±1.274 cm), arm muscle area (67.381±5.149 cm), arm 2 muscle girth (29.070±1.116 cm), arm area (88.986±6.643 cm), arm fat area 2 (21.605±1.836 cm), and arm fat index (24.281±1.055). Handgrip showed positive correlation with triceps skinfold (r=0.608, p=<0.001), mid-arm circumference (r=0.738, p=<0.001), upper arm muscle area (r=0.694, p=<0.001), upper arm muscle girth (r=0.695, p=<0.001), total arm area (r=0.740, p=<0.001), upper arm fat area (r=0.728, p=<0.001), subscapular skinfold (r=0.215, p=0.001), and arm fat index (r=0.158, p=0.013). CONCLUSION: All the anthropometric variables had a positive significant correlation with handgrip strength. Handgrip strength is standard indicator to achieve target of excellent performance as well as can be made a valuable criterion of selection for cricket & multiple games involving grip.