Interdependence of body mass index with handgrip strength and endurance among apparently healthy teenagers

Abstract

This study investigated the relationship of body mass index (BMI) with handgrip strength and endurance among apparently healthy Nigerian Teenagers. A total of 200 secondary school students participated in this study. Body height and body weight were measured with a wall–mounted stadiometer in meters (m) and bathroom weighing scale in kilogram (kg) respectively. Body mass index (BMI) was then calculated using the formula weight (kg)/height (m2). An electronic handgrip dynamometer was used to measure handgrip strength (HGS) in kg and handgrip endurance (HGE) in seconds (s). The relationship of BMI with HGS and HGE was analyzed using Pearson’s product moment coefficient of correlation. Then, differences in BMI, HGS and HGE across gender categories were analyzed using the independent sample t-test. The outcome of this study showed that BMI correlated proportionately and significantly (p < 0.05) with HGS and HGE. Also, a significant difference (p < 0.05) exists in HGS and HGE across gender characteristics. This study therefore concluded that BMI is a determinant of HGS and HGE among apparently healthy Nigerian Teenagers and thus, could be considered as a marker of nutritional and health status, as well as physical fitness of these individuals. Also, a gender difference does influence HGS and HGE among apparently healthy Nigerian Teenagers.