CORRELATION OF HAND GRIP STRENGTH WITH ANTHROPOMETRIC VARIABLES AND QUANTIFYING HAND GRIP STRENGTH IN CHILDREN OF AGE 3 - 5.5 YEARS WITH MARTIN VIGORIMETER IN INDIAN POPULATION

Background: Hand grip strength is an important quantitative measure in evaluation of hand which is also considered as a predictor of general health status. Influence of various anthropometric variables on Hand Grip Strength has been studied in adult population. Martin Vigorimeter is a simple instrument which is considered to be appropriate for measuring hand grip strength in the age group 3-5.5 years for which norms have been established in Caucasian population. This study aims to analyse the correlation of hand grip strength with anthropometric variables and to quantify grip strength in children of age 3-5.5 years using Martin Vigorimeter in Indian population. Methods and Methodology: 211 children from five schools were included in this cross sectional study after getting consent from the principal of the schools. The anthropometric variables height, weight, BMI, hand anthropometric variables were measured. Hand grip strength was measured using Martin Vigorimeter, three trials were measured and best of the three was taken as the standard grip strength on both right and left sides. Results: Pearson’s correlation was used to analyse the relation between hand grip strength and anthropometric variables which showed a positive correlation between BMI and hand grip strength and independent t-test was used to compare hand grip strength of Indian and Caucasian population which showed a significant decrease in hand grip strength in Indian population with a p value <0.05. Conclusion: The study concludes that anthropometric variables should be considered while quantifying hand grip strength. A significant decrease in hand grip strength in Indian population when compared to Caucasian population demands a need to evaluate the cultural sensitivity of such instruments prior to clinical usage and to interpret clinically.