Email this article Sex Differences and Bilateral Asymmetry in Handgrip Strength among First-Year University Students
Abstract
Hand grip strength (HGS) is a widely recognised and robust biomarker of overall muscle health and fatigue. This study aimed to examine sex differences and bilateral asymmetry in hand grip strength among first-year university students. A cross-sectional study was conducted involving 72 new undergraduate students, consisting of 37 males and 35 females. Handgrip strength was measured using a Takei digital handgrip dynamometer, with three trials performed for each hand. The mean value was used for analysis. The results showed that male participants had higher hand grip strength than females. The mean of right-hand grip strength in males was 35.47 ± 5.7 kg, while the mean of left-hand grip strength was 31.45 ± 5.8 kg. In female participants, the mean of right-hand grip strength was 21.12 ± 3.4 kg, while the mean of left-hand grip strength was 19.0 ± 3.7 kg. The paired sample t-test indicated significant differences between right and left handgrip strength in both males and females (p<0.001). The analysis revealed a large effect size (Cohen’s value of 0.908), demonstrating a substantial difference between the two hands. These findings provide baseline data regarding handgrip strength characteristics in young adults and may contribute to future research in health assessment, ergonomics, rehabilitation, and sports science.
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References
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.17509/jpjo.v11i2.98895
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