Associations between absolute and relative handgrip strength with fitness and fatness

Abstract

The main purpose of this study was to assess relationships between absolute and relative handgrip strength (HGS) versus other markers of health (body composition) and physical fitness (VO₂ max, vertical jump) in 220 (112 male) healthy young adults (25±10 years). HGS was measured using a hand dynamometer. Absolute HGS represented the highest grip strength measurement (kg) of the right and left hand combined, while relative HGS represented the absolute HGS divided by body weight (kg/kg). Body composition (lean and fat mass) was measured using dual energy x-ray absorptiometry. VO₂ max was measured using a treadmill peak speed protocol (ml/kg/min), while vertical jump was assessed using a countermovement jump (cm). Absolute HGS (mean=86±22 kg) was positively related with lean mass (r=0.82, p<0.001) and vertical jump (r=0.63, p<0.001), while relative HGS (mean=1.2±0.2 kg/kg) was negatively related with body fat (r=–0.69, p<0.001), but positively correlated with VO₂ max (r=0.47, p<0.001), and vertical jump (r=0.45, p<0.001). Linear models suggest that lean mass, body fat, and vertical jump predicted 69% of variance for absolute HGS (adjusted R²=0.71, p<0.001), while lean mass and body fat predicted 49% of variance for relative HGS (adjusted R²=0.49, p<0.001). Lower relative HGS scores (<1.0 kg/kg) were associated with higher body fat levels and may represent a quick, simple, marker of health.

Keywords

body composition - muscle strength - fitness assessment

Publication History

Received: 30 October 2024

Accepted: 07 February 2025

Accepted Manuscript online:
11 March 2025

Article published online:
22 April 2025

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