Differences between handgrip strength and anthropometric measurements withrespect to the index of biological maturation in schoolchildren

The aim of this study was to identify the differences in handgrip strength values and anthropometric measurements with respect to the index of biological maturation (IBM) in schoolchildren. A descriptive study was conducted with a total of 256 schoolchildren (78 boys and 178 girls) aged 10 to 14 years. Body weight, height and sitting height (trunk and leg length) were measured using the ISAK protocol; also, manual grip strength was evaluated with a digital dynamometer and a formula of Mirwald et al. (2002) was used to determine the peak growth velocity (PGV) through the IMB. Subsequently, the sample was categorized into 7 groups according to their BMI (-1.5, -1.0, -0.5, 0, 0.5, 0.5, 1.0 and 1.5 years). Significant differences were found in schoolchildren in the 0.5, 1.0- and 1.5-years group with respect to the -0.5, -1.0- and -1.5-years groups in body weight, height, trunk and leg length, and grip strength (p ≤ 0.05). We conclude that the higher the biological maturation index there is a tendency for the anthropometry and grip strength values in schoolchildren to be higher with respect to those with a lower IMB.