Anthropometric and body composition characteristics associated with handgrip strength in children and adolescents. A scoping review

• Published in: Andes pediatrica : revista Chilena de pediatría Vol. 93; no. 6; pp. 906 - 917
• Main Authors: Martínez-Torres, Javier, Gallo-Villegas, Jaime Alberto, Aguirre-Acevedo, Daniel Camilo
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: Spanish
• Published: 01.12.2022
• ISSN: 2452-6053
• DOI: 10.32641/andespediatr.v93i6.4408

Handgrip strength is a robust indicator of the biological health of children and adolescents. Objecti ves: to identify the anthropometric characteristics and body composition related to handgrip stren gth, and to describe the main characteristics of the protocols used for its evaluation.METHODOLOGYA scoping review was developed; the search was carried out in 1.) Medline; 2.) Web of Science; 3.) Science Direct; 4.) Scielo; and 5.) EBSCO's Sportdiscus. Original investigations were included if they have handgrip strength data, anthropometric characteristics, and body composition.RESULTS59 reports published between 2005 and 2020 were selected. Among them, nutritional classification was the most studied characteristic (n = 25; 42.3%), followed by body mass index (n = 23; 38.9%). In 47.5% (28 reports), the number of tests performed on each individual to estimate the handgrip strength value was not clear. The dynamometer brand Takei Scientific Instrument Co. Ltd. was the most used, with 49.2 %. The most widely used indicator was absolute handgrip (86.4%, 51 reports).CONCLUSIONSThere is a wide variety of protocols used for handgrip strength assessment with va riations in body position, arm and hand selection, number of repetitions, and intervals between measurements. A proportional pattern of values was found between absolute handgrip strength and body mass index, Σ skinfolds, however, when adjusted by mass (relative handgrip strength), the relationship is inverse.