gms | German Medical Science

Objective: We known that the physical fitness and nutritional status are influenced by many factors. Especially during the adolescence period an important role is played by the practice of physical activity, with a great variability due to the type, the intensity and frequency of the activity. Handgrip strength is an important test to evaluate physical fitness and nutritional status.

Material/Methods: We compared 68 subjects (age 8,45±2,62 years), 25 artistic gymnasts, 11 rhythmic gymnasts and 32 general gymnasts in order to study the effect of a specific program of preparation on handgrip strength. We monitored handgrip (HG) variations during a 1 year period. Descriptive statistics, chi(2) tests, analysis of variance, Student’s T test, Pearson Correlation and logistic regression analysis were performed. Continuous variables are presented as mean+/-standard deviation. A P value<0.05 was considered statistically significant. Height and body mass were measured and so body mass index (BMI) was calculated. Biceps and triceps skinfolds, arm relaxed, arm flexed, forearm and wrist girths, acromiale-radiale, radiale-stylion-radiale and midstylion-dactylion length and humerus breadth were measured. Bioelectrical impedance analysis was performed. Maximal HG strength of the right hand was measured using the hand dynamometer. The rhythmic gymnasts had higher HG compared to the other groups (p<0.05).

Results: In rhythmic and general gymnasts there was a significant increment of HG (Table 1 [Tab. 1]). Stepwise multiple regression analysis indicated that the most important predictive values of HG were age (β=0,536; P=0,003) and sex (β=0,250;P=0,000).

Conclusion: The results of the present study show that physical activity has a strong effect on body composition, in young rhythmic and general gymnasts handgrip strength is influenced by specific program of preparation, we aim to provide to improve physical activity in children.