Publication:

Evolution of grip strength across transition between teenage and adulthood: a gender-based analysis

Background Hand grip strength is an important indicator of hand and overall muscular function and is influenced by factors such as age and sex. The transition from teenage to adulthood represents an important developmental period during which changes in grip strength may occur. The objective was to examine and compare the differences in hand grip strength between teenage and adult participants and to compare grip strength between males and females.

Methods A cross-sectional comparative research design. was conducted among 220 healthy participants aged 17–25 years, including 97 males and 123 females. Participants were divided into teenage (17–19 years) and adult (20–25 years) groups. Grip strength was assessed for both the hands using a Jamar hand dynamometer under standardized testing conditions. The mean of three trials for each hand was used for analysis, and differences between group grip strength were statistically evaluated.

Results Males demonstrated greater mean grip strength than females in both age groups for both hands. Adult males showed significantly greater grip strength than teenage males, with mean differences of 4.46 kg for the right hand and 3.0 kg for the left hand (p<0.001). In females, the differences between teenage and adult groups were not statistically significant.

Conclusions Grip strength differed according to sex and age. Males demonstrating greater strength and a significant increase from teenage to adulthood. These findings highlight the importance of considering age- and sex-specific values during hand-strength assessment and rehabilitation planning.