Author(s): Tushar Gupta, Anamta Qasim and Junaid Ahmad Parrey

Abstract:

Background: While Handgrip Strength (HGS) is an established biomarker of frailty and mortality in geriatric populations, its utility as a predictor of cardiovascular health in young adults remains under-explored. This study investigated the relationship between absolute HGS, relative grip strength (RGS), and hemodynamic parameters in healthy young adults.

Methods: A cross-sectional analytical study was conducted with 60 graduate students (30 males, 30 females; mean age = 23 years) from Aligarh Muslim University. Anthropometric measures (BMI) and physiological variables including systolic and diastolic blood pressure (SBP, DBP), resting pulse rate, and peripheral oxygen saturation (SpO₂​) were assessed. Muscular strength was measured via digital dynamometry, and RGS was calculated as absolute strength normalized to BMI. Data were analysed using Pearson correlation and multiple linear regression.

Results: Significant sexual dimorphism was observed, with males exhibiting higher absolute and relative strength, while females demonstrated higher resting BP. BMI was a potent negative predictor of RGS across both genders, with a stronger effect in females (R²=.492, p<.001) than in males (R²=.246, p=.005). Regression analyses revealed that RGS was a significant predictor of lower DBP in males (β=−.53, p=.011) and lower resting pulse rate in females (R²=.354, p=.001). Absolute HGS showed no significant correlation with hemodynamic markers.

Conclusion: Relative grip strength is a more robust indicator of cardiovascular efficiency and hemodynamic stability than absolute strength in young adults. Incorporating RGS assessments into routine health screenings may offer a non-invasive tool for early identification of sub-clinical cardiovascular risk in youth.

DOI: 10.22271/kheljournal.2025.v12.i6k.4171

Pages: 754-759  |  153 Views  102 Downloads

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