Hand Grip Strength as a Predictor of Pulmonary Function in Children with Congenital Heart Disease: A Cross-Sectional Study

Background Children with congenital heart disease (CHD) frequently present with reduced pulmonary function due to cardiopulmonary impairments and decreased physical activity levels. Peripheral muscle weakness is common and may reflect overall respiratory performance. Aim To examine the correlation between hand grip strength (HGS) and pulmonary function parameters in pediatric CHD patients. Settings and Design In this cross-sectional study, 50 children aged 6–14 years with confirmed CHD were recruited from the National Heart Institute, Egypt. Methods and Material Pulmonary function tests were conducted using a calibrated spirometer, measuring FVC, FEV1, PEF, FEV1/FVC ratio, and MMV. HGS was assessed using a hydraulic hand dynamometer. Pearson’s correlation was used to examine relationships between HGS and spirometry outcomes. Results Statistically significant positive correlations were found between HGS and pulmonary function parameters: FEV1 (r = 0.89), FVC (r = 0.88), PEF (r = 0.83), and MMV (r = 0.62), all with p < 0.001. The FEV1/FVC ratio showed a weaker but significant correlation (r = 0.32, p = 0.023). Conclusion HGS is strongly associated with pulmonary function in children with CHD and may serve as a non-invasive proxy for respiratory assessment.