A Study on Handgrip Strength and some Anthropometric Variables in Younger and Older Female Laborers of Jalandhar, Punjab, India

Handgrip strength is of great use as a functional index of nutritional status. Few studies confirmed that those in lower BMI category had lower mean handgrip strength too. In the present study, a total of 100 female labourers and 100 sedentary women were participated and the samples were collected purposively. The subjects were further divided into younger (18-25 years) and older (26-40 years) age groups. Age range of the subject was between 18 to 40 years. Selected anthropometric measurements were taken and nutritional indices were calculated using standard equations. Handgrip strength was measured using a digital handgrip dynamometer.When intra-group comparisons were made in younger and older female laborers, no significant differences (p≥0.05) were found for handgrip strength and the determinants of nutritional status, but in controls, intra-group comparisons showed significant differences (p≤0.05) in eight sets out of twelve (except right and left hand grip strength and arm fat index). When comparisons were made between younger and older female laborers and controls, statistically significant differences (p≤0.05) in all the parameters, especially the determinants of nutritional status were found. So it may be concluded that the nutritional status determined the handgrip strength of the female laborers.