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Mgbemena N.C.1, Aweto H.A.1, Tella B.A.1, Nwosu E.2
1University of Lagos, Physiotherapy Department, Lagos, Nigeria, 2University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital, Physiotherapy Department, Enugu, Nigeria
Background: Muscle strength which can be estimated by handgrip strength is a component of health. Handgrip strength is a test of physical fitness and lung function is influenced by physical activity. There seems to be a dearth of information on the relationship between handgrip and lung function of young Nigerians.
Purpose: This study determined the relationship between handgrip strength and lung function of apparently healthy young adults. Predictive equations of lung functions were proposed using handgrip strength and other determinants.
Methods: Four hundred participants (200 males and 200 females), were involved in the study. They were apparently healthy students of the College of Medicine, University of Lagos, Nigeria, aged 16 - 30 years. Participants gave informed consent. Basic anthropometric parameters were obtained from the participants. Handgrip strength was assessed using the Jamar dynamometer with the participant in sitting position in accordance with the guidelines of the American Society of Hand Therapists. Three readings were taken for both dominant and non-dominant hands and an average value was obtained. Lung function was assessed using a portable flow sensing type of spirometer, with the participant in a sitting position. The forced expiratory volume in 1 second, forced vital capacity and peak expiratory flow rate were assessed in accordance with guidelines of American Thoracic Society and European Respiratory Society.
Results: It was shown that there is a significant but weak correlation between the dominant handgrip strength and lung function variables assessed in male participants (FEV1, r = 0.284; FVC, r = 0.302 and PEFR,
r = 0.180) and for the female participants; FEV1 (r = 0.232), FVC (r = 0.184) and PEFR (r = 0.283). There was also a significant but weak correlation between the non-dominant handgrip strength and lung function of the participants. Regression equations were also proposed for predicting lung function using handgrip strength, height, weight and age of the participants according to gender.
Conclusion(s): The level of relationship between handgrip strength and lung function is low for healthy Nigerian young adults. Further longitudinal predictive studies should be done in larger number of individuals essentially those who exercise regularly in order to further support the need for involvement in physical activity.
Implications: The results of this study have supported previous works that reported on the relationship between muscle strength and lung function parameters.
Funding acknowledgements: None
Topic: Cardiorespiratory
Ethics approval: Lagos University Teaching Hospital, Health Research Ethics Committee.
All authors, affiliations and abstracts have been published as submitted.
