Correlation of Hand Grip Strength with Upper Limb Anthropometry of Bangladeshi Male Cricket Batsman

Abstract

Context: The estimation of hand grip strength is of immense importance in sports where a sufficient degree of power grip is necessary for success. In fact, many sports require a sustained level of hand prehensile force to maximize control and performance as well as reduce the possibility of injuries. The present study was undertaken to measure the correlation of hand grip strength with upper limb anthropometry of Bangladeshi male cricket batsman. The result may be used as a base-line for other professions as well for further research in our country. Materials & Methods: A cross sectional analytical type of study was conducted at department of Anatomy, Dhaka Medical College, Dhaka from July 2015 to June 2016 on fifty (50) adult Bangladeshi male sprinters (Group A) and fifty (50) adult Bangladeshi male cricket batsman (Group B). Sample collection was done by convenient purposive sampling technique. History of any injury of upper limb during playing was excluded to construct standard measurement. Total upper limb length was measured with the help of steel measuring tape. Hand grip strength Dynamometer was used to measure the hand grip strength. Results: The mean right and left hand grip strength was significantly higher (P<0.05) in the cricket batsman (group B) than in the sprinters (group A). The mean right hand grip strength was significantly higher (P<0.05) than the left hand grip strength in both cricket batsman (group B) and sprinters (group A). Right and left hand grip strength showed significant positive correlation with measured total upper limb length. But no significant difference in measured total upper limb length between the cricket batsman and sprinters was observed. Conclusion: The present study showed that right and left hand grip strength of the cricket batsman (group B) was significantly higher than the sprinters (group A). Both right and left hand grip strength showed significant positive correlation with measured total upper limb length.

Bangladesh Journal of Anatomy July 2017, Vol. 15, No. 2, pp. 39-44