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Handgrip strength values and body composition in Ecuadorian university young adults

Abstract:

INTRODUCTION Handgrip strength is a key indicator of functional health and overall muscular strength. These parameters are essential for assessing physical performance and health status. This study aims to assess handgrip strength and body composition in young Ecuadorian university adults. METHODS This was a cross-sectional study conducted among university students from the Faculty of Health Sciences at Universidad Católica de Santiago de Guayaquil. Participants completed a self-administered questionnaire for demographic variables. Handgrip strength was assessed in both hands with an hydraulic dynamometer. Body composition was measured using a bioelectrical impedance device. RESULTS 350 participants were included in the study, consisting of 65.5% (n=233) females and 33.4% (n=177) males. The mean age was 22 ± 2.09 years. The mean muscle mass was 24.4 ± 6.9 kg, and the mean fat mass was 22.0 ± 12.9 kg. The visceral fat value was 8.0 ± 3.1 points. The mean handgrip strength for males was 39.6 ± 8.07 kg in the right arm and 38.5 ± 8.07 kg in the left hand, and for females, was 23.0 ±5.57 kg in the right arm and 22.0 ± 5.84 kg in the left arm. Muscle mass positively correlated with handgrip strength in both sexes and both hands, with Rho = 0.813 (p<0.001) for the right arm and Rho = 0.798 (p<0.001) for the left arm. CONCLUSIONS We established reference values for handgrip strength and body composition in healthy young Ecuadorian adults, showing handgrip strength’s positive association with muscle mass and anthropometric variables.