Relationship of Ηand Grip Strength, Physical Activity, and Anthropometric Characteristics in a Sample of Male and Female Physiotherapy Students.

The present study aimed to determine gender differences in the hand grip strength (HGS) and to examine the relations between HGS, anthropometric characteristics, and physical activity (PA) in Greek young adults. A cross-sectional observational study of 276 students (21.5 ± 4.1 years, 122 men, 154 women) was conducted at the University of Patras, Greece. HGS was assessed via a hand-held grip strength dynamometer; body composition was determined by bioelectrical impedance analysis; and calf, mid-arm, and waist circumferences with inelastic tape. PA was assessed with the modified Baecke Questionnaire for Habitual Physical Activity (mBQHPA). The mean of HGS was 37.15 ± 11.2 kg. Men had significantly (p < 0.001) greater HGS than women. Statistically large correlation was detected between HGS and muscle mass (r = 0.73; p ≤ 0.001), gender (r = 0.6; p ≤ 0.001), mid-arm (r = 0.74; p ≤ 0.001), and calf circumference (r = 0.69; p ≤ 0.001). Results show that fat mass was a risk factor associated with HGS, found using regression analyses in both genders. However, PA was a significant associated factor only for women participants (ΟR = 0.77; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.17-1.38; p ≤ 0.05). In summary, the HGS of Greek physiotherapy students was associated with muscle mass, gender, mid-arm, and calf circumference.