Relationship between handgrip strength and forearm circunference of civil constructiion workers: a case study

Abstract

The aim of this study was to relate the handgrip strength (Fmax) with the circumference of the forearm of construction workers and detect if there was significant loss of Fmax after the workday. 21 workers of the town of Ponta Grossa – Paraná participated in the study. The test consisted in to maintain isometric grip strength in a handgrip dynamometer for 3 seconds. The circumference of the forearm was measured following standardization of Pompeu (2004). For data analysis, we used the statistical program Minitab 15.1.1. To correlate Fmax with the anthropometrics measure was used the Pearson’s correlation equation. Paired t test was used to analyze the significance of Fmax loss. Both dominant forearm circumferences (CAD) and opposite (CAO) correlated with the percentage of loss of Fmax at the end of workday. The highest correlation was observed with the circumference of the forearm on the dominant side (r = -0.74). A significant difference between the forces produced by the same side in the three assessments was observed (P <0.05). The Fmax recorded before work, in relation to the results recorded during and after work, was significantly higher for both anatomical sides. The results detect that those workers who had the lowest percentage of loss of hand force were those who possessed the largest circumference of forearm. The results of this study indicate that the circumference of forearm can serve as a useful tool for predicting isometric hand grip strength.