Maximal Handgrip Strength in Track and Field Athletes during the Developmental Years

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of sport participation (track and field), age (children, adolescents, adults) and hand (preferred and no-preferred hands) on peak handgrip strength. Forty-five track and field athletes (throwers, jumpers, runners) and forty-five non-athletes volunteered to participate in the present study. Participants were assigned according to their chronological age into three age-groups: children, adolescents and adults. A portable hydraulic dynamometer (Jamar) was used for the HG measurement. The absolute HG (kg) of the preferred and the non-preferred hands was evaluated, and the relative
HG per unit of body mass (kg/kg) was calculated. Three–way analysis of variance (sport participation x age-group x hand, 2 x 3 x 2) was used to analyze the data. ANOVA results indicated significant “age” and “hand” main effects, while non-significant “sport” main effect and three-way interaction were observed. Pair-wise comparisons within age revealed that children exhibited lower (p<0.05) absolute handgrip strength than adolescents and adults, whereas adolescents exhibited lower absolute handgrip strength values
than adults. However, adolescents and adults did not differ in relative handgrip strength irrespective of hand. Furthermore, the preferred hand exhibited greater handgrip strength values (in absolute and relative terms) than the other hand irrespective of age and sport. Finally, no significant differences in handgrip strength values were observed between track and field athletes and non-athletes. In conclusion, it seems that age and hand influence maximal handgrip strength, however the sport of track and field does not affect the development of maximal handgrip strength during the developmental years.