Impact of Upper Extremity Segmental Lengths on Handgrip Strength

Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of upper extremity segmental lengths on handgrip strength in young adults and to evaluate this relationship while controlling for potential biomechanical confounders. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional observational study included a total of 85 young adults aged 18–25 years (41 males, 44 females). Age, sex, and dominant side information were recorded for all participants. As part of the anthropometric assessment, height and body weight were measured, and upper extremity segmental measurements (upper arm, forearm, hand, and total upper extremity lengths) were obtained. Handgrip strength was assessed using a digital hand dynamometer. Pearson correlation analysis was used to evaluate the simple relationships between handgrip strength and anthropometric measurements. Independent samples t -tests were applied to compare handgrip strength and anthropometric measurements between sexes. Generalized linear models were constructed to examine the independent effects of upper extremity segmental lengths on handgrip strength. Results: Both right and left handgrip strength values were significantly higher in males compared to females ( P < 0.001). In multivariate analyses, upper arm length was identified as a significant and positive predictor of handgrip strength on both the right and left sides, whereas a significant negative association was found between height and handgrip strength. Conclusion: This study demonstrates that handgrip strength in young adults is particularly associated with the upper arm segment and indicates that proximal upper extremity morphology plays a determining role in force production. Segmental anthropometric assessment may contribute to a more accurate interpretation of handgrip strength.