Correlation between weight, height, and body mass index with hand grip strength among junior high school

Abstract

The association between body size, diseases, and dysfunction with HGS in adolescents has been widely studied. However, the results are less conclusive due to various influencing factors. This study aimed to investigate the correlation between weight, height, and BMI with HGS and the effect of gender in adolescents. This cross-sectional study was followed by 117 students (66 boys, 51 girls) of Susteran Junior High School Purwokerto in May 2023. Weight and height were measured according to the standard procedure. BMI was calculated based on a standard formula. HGS was examined using a digital hand dynamometer. Independent T-test and Pearson correlation were applied. Significance was set at p<0.05. Weight, height, and BMI between genders were not different (p=0.81, 0.50, and 0.22, respectively). Boys had stronger HGS than girls (25.0±7.1 vs 19.8±4.3, p<0.01). Weight and height had weak correlation with HGS in boys (p=0.02, r=0.28, and p=0.03, r=0.26), moderate correlation in girls (p<0. 01, r=0.57 and p<0.01, r=0.50), and overall (p<0.01, r=0.41 and p<0.01, r=0.45). BMI had a moderate correlation with HGS in girls (p<0.01, r=0.52) and a weak correlation overall (p<0.01, r=0.29). No correlation was found between BMI and HGS in boys. Weight and height correlate with HGS in boys, girls, and overall, but BMI correlates with HGS in girls and overall.