Grip and Pinch Strength in Relation to Anthropometric Indices: Insights from a Cross-Sectional Investigation

Abstract

Background: Handgrip strength (HGS) serves as a simple yet powerful biomarker of overall muscle strength, nutritional status, and functional capacity. Its association with hand anthropometry has important implications for ergonomics, rehabilitation, and clinical assessments.

Objective: To evaluate the correlation between handgrip strength and selected anthropometric indices among healthy male and female healthcare professionals.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 335 participants (167 females and 168 males). Standardized measurements of hand dimensions- hand breadth across the thumb, maximum depth of the hand, elbow–wrist length, wrist breadth, hand length, hand breadth, hand span, and wrist circumference - were recorded. Handgrip strength was measured using a digital dynamometer. Pearson’s correlation analysis was performed.

Results: In females, only hand span demonstrated a significant positive correlation with handgrip strength (r = 0.290, p < 0.001). In males, strong positive correlations were observed between HGS and elbow–wrist length (r = 0.740, p < 0.001), wrist circumference (r = 0.717, p < 0.001), hand breadth (r = 0.713, p < 0.001), hand length (r = 0.644, p < 0.001), and hand breadth across the thumb (r = 0.588, p < 0.001). Hand span also correlated positively with grip strength in males (r = 0.347, p < 0.001).

Conclusion: Male participants showed robust associations between grip strength and multiple anthropometric indices, whereas in females, hand span was the only significant predictor. These findings highlight sex-based differences in the determinants of handgrip strength, underscoring the importance of individualized ergonomic and clinical applications.