Correlations of Anthropometric Measurement and Handgrip Strength between Collegiate Cricket Fast and Spin Bowlers

Abstract

Background: More dimensions in anthropometric variables and dominance of the hand aid in bowler’ssuccess and is easier for coaches/teams to pick and hire on the basis of fast and spin bowlers. Little isknown to date on the relationship between anthropometric measures and handgrip power in collegiatebowlers. Present study is an attempt to quantify the handgrip power of collegiate male cricketers, andto explore its correlations with some selected anthropometric variables.Methods: Forty fast and 37 spin bowlers, aged between 20-25 years (mean age= 22.7±1.2 years) wereselected from match practice group of different colleges in Rahata taluka, Maharashtra. Body heightand mass were measured to calculate body mass index. Handgrip strength was measured with standarddynamometer. Statistical analysis was carried out for each variable and independent t-test was used toanalyze differences between the two groups. Pearson’s correlation coefficient test was done to obtainrelationship between handgrip strength and selected anthropomorphic variables. The significance wasset at 0.05.Conclusion: Anthropometric variables were directly related to handgrip strength among bowlers inthis study. Forearm lengths of spinners were longer than fast bowlers. Handgrip strength was more indominant hand and spinners had more handgrip strength than fast bowlers. These parameters will helpin future for talent identification in handgrip-related sports and/or clinical settings.