Hand grip strength as a marker of physical fitness and its association to body symmetry in young adults: An anthropological approach

Some research in the field of anthropology provides some evidence that high hand grip strength and a symmetrical body are reliable indicators of health and fitness. In this study, we consider the relationship between these two indicators in healthy young individuals. In the study, 185 university students (87 males and 97 females) were examined. In addition to the weight and height of the students, eight bilateral traits were measured with an accuracy of 0.01 mm to evaluate their bodily symmetry, and their hand grip strength was determined with a hand dynamometer by applying the Southampton protocol. The composite fluctuating asymmetry formula was used to standardize the bodily symmetries of individuals. Analyzes show that women have a more symmetrical body structure and lower hand grip strength scores than men. When the effect of weight and body mass index was controlled, no correlation was observed between composite fluctuating asymmetry and hand grip strength in both sexes. As conclusion, although hand grip strength and body symmetry are accepted as reliable indicators of health and fitness, it is seen that there is no significant relationship between the two indicators in both sexes in our study. In addition, our findings support the view that fluctuating asymmetry is not a reliable indicator to predict an individual's physical fitness and developmental quality.