Handgrip strength as determinant of upper body strength/physical fitness: a comparative study among individuals performing gymnastics (ring athletes) and gymnasium (powerlifters)

Abstract

Background:This study was conducted on two different exercising groups, that is, gymnasium (powerlifters) and gymnastics (ring users). Although the type of physical activity is different, but both of the groups require stamina and coordination of central nervous system and skeletal muscles. In the two groups, the muscle strength of the upper body is remarkable and the handgrip has to be effectual for holding rings (gymnastics) and weights (gymnasium). Also, the time for which the grip can be maintained, which determines the endurance of the individual.Objective: To find the difference in handgrip strength (HGS) and handgrip endurance (HGE) among the two physically active groups. Materials and Methods:This study was conducted on a total of 75 subjects, divided into three groups of 25 each, namely, gymnastics, gymnasium, and control, that is, non-exercising group. Anthropometric hand measurements and skinfold thickness, forearm circumference, and forearm muscle were taken with HGS and HGE. Statistical analysis was then done to draw inference. Result:The study revealed statistically significantly high HGS and HGE in exercising group, in comparison to the control group, also the HGS was maximum in the gymnasium group (p < 0.0001). Moreover, the forearm circumference and the forearm muscle area were maximum (p < 0.0001) and the skin fold thickness was found to be the least in the gymnasium group. The study revealed positive correlation among HGS and HGE with forearm muscle mass. Thus, the study concluded the positive effect of physical activities on HGS and the weight training of the muscles increases their efficiency due to more acquisition of strength and development. Conclusion:In view of the fact that our day-to-day activities, a consistent assessment of handgrip forms an integral part of rehabilitation, not only to assess the strength of muscles involved in gripping but also to apply as a tool in rehabilitating patients with variable levels of hand injuries and in many clinical conditions such as diabetes. Can be implemented as a useful parameter by the coach in their fitness and training program.

The relationship between CrossFit performance and grip strength

“…The comparatively high HGS scores of the current study participants were likely predictable as they are consistent with previous research regarding gymnasts and barbell athletes (Fry et al, 2006;Schoffstall et al, 2010;Ruprai). This may suggest that CF is likely a good system for improving HGS, and therefore useful for general health and fitness.…”

“…If these two participants were removed from the data set, 77% of the CF participants in the current study would have demonstrated HGS above normative reference 50th percentiles (Wang et al, 2018). Several studies have established correlations between HGS and barbell athletes as well as gymnastics athletes (Ruprai et al, 2016;Schoffstall et al, 2010;Fry et al, 2006). High HGS values could be expected from this population because of the significant amount of time spent manipulating barbells and other weighted implements in their regular CF training, as well as time spent manipulating their own bodyweight around bars and rings.…”

Correlation between Hand Grip Strength and Shoulder Power in Cricket Players

“…21 The positive effect of physical activities on hand grip strength and the weight training of muscle increases their efficiency due to more acquisition of strength and development in adolescents. 22 Thus, it is also evident from this study that the mean grip strengths of the dominant and the non-dominant hand is also increasing gradually as the age group increases.…”

Effects of a 12-week strength training on hand function of type ii diabetes mellitus patients

“…Firstly, the increase in handgrip strength as the root of initial episode of better hand function because the grip strength reflects the strength generated by the contraction of the various arm and hand muscles involved in the proper functioning of the hand. This is because there is a consensus that handgrip strength is a determinant of hand function and is commonly used to evaluate functional limitation of the hand (Ruprai et al, 2015;Smith et al, 2006). Secondly, the positive impact of ST programme on both the intrinsic and extrinsic muscles of the hand and forearm which enhance both grip and pinch strength and thus, enable the hand to function smoothly could also explain the better hand function observed in this study.…”

“…Conjointly with the brain, the hand is the most important organ for accomplishing tasks of adaptation, exploration, prehension, precision, perception, and manipulation, unique to humans (Chao, An, Conney, & Linscheid, 1989). According to Ruprai, Tajpuriya, and Mishra (2015), grip strength and pinch powers are good predictors of total muscular strength and endurance and are important parameters of hand function. The grip and pinch strength measurements are commonly used to evaluate the integrated performances of hand muscles by determining maximal grip and pinch forces that could be produced in one muscular contraction.…”