Influence of Basic Anthropometric Variables on Pinch Strength of Dominant Hand in Healthy Individuals

Abstract

Background. Pinch strength is a simple, affordable, and effective way to measure upper-limb function. The study aims to determine how anthropometric variables affect maximal pinch strength in normal individuals. Methods. One hundred and eighteen participants were included in the study using non-probability, non-random convenience sampling technique. The pinch strength was measured three times in each participant with a gap of 5 s in each reading. The measurement was taken with elbow in 90-degree flexion and forearm in mid pronation position. The data was then encoded in SPSS v25 for statistical analysis. Pearson's correlation and Multiple linear regression analysis was performed on the data. Results. A total sample 118 participants included 54 males (45.7%) and 65 female (55.1%) participants, with mean age of 23.19 (SD = 2.02) and mean weight of 64.24 kg (SD = 12.4). The mean pinch strength was 9.23 kg (SD = 3.9). The r-value of Pearson's correlation between the max pinch strength and age, weight, height and BMI were negative 0.052 (p = 0.707), 0.576, 0.564, 0.384 (p < 0.01), respectively. The R-squared and adjusted R-squared value for the multiple linear regression model were 0.328 and 0.327 respectively. Conclusions. The maximal pinch strength is influenced by the basic anthropometric factors including weight, height, and BMI. The strongest indicator of pinch strength in normal persons is body weight.