Correlation Between Hand Grip Strength And Body Mass Index Among Adult Women In Rural Area

Abstract

Background- Obesity has emerged as a critical public health challenge, particularly affecting women in rural settings, where it is commonly correlated with diminished physical capacity and functional decline. Although Body Mass Index (BMI) is widely used to evaluate obesity, It fails to shed light onmuscle strength or overall physical fitness. In contrast, Hand Grip Strength (HGS) is a straightforward and dependable indicator of muscular strength and functional health. This study seeks to To delve into the interplay betweenBMI and HGS in adult women from rural communities.

Method-A cross-sectional observational study was conducted on a cohort of 120 adult women, aged between 30 and 45 years, residing in the rural areas of Karad, Maharashtra. Participants were selected through a simple random sampling method to ensure unbiased and representative inclusion. Anthropometric measurements were taken to calculate Body Mass Index (BMI), using the conventional formula based on recorded height and weight. Hand Grip Strength (HGS) for both dominant and non-dominant hands was assessed using a calibrated push-pull dynamometer, adhering strictly to standardized assessment protocols. The collected data were statistically analyzed to examine the relationship between BMI and hand grip strength across the sample population.

Result - The analysis revealed a Findings indicate a subtle decline in grip strength as BMI increases, suggesting a weak inverse linkage. in the dominant hand (r = –0.179, p = 0.050), suggesting a slight inverse relationship.Pertaining to the non-dominant hand, the correlation was very weak and not statistically significant (r = –0.112, p = 0.218). Additionally, a moderate positive correlation (r = 0.465) Was evident in the context of grip strength in the dominant and non-dominant hands, indicating a fairly consistent level of muscular strength on both sides.

Conclusion- Study outcomes demonstrate that a higher Body Mass Index is associated with rural women is modestly linked to reduced hand grip strength, highlighting that Higher body weight does not imply  improved muscle strength. Evaluating both BMI and hand grip strength provides a more holistic view of

physical health and functional capacity in this demographic. The results emphasize the critical role of incorporating physiotherapy-based strategies and lifestyle modifications to enhance musculoskeletal health and functional independence in women from rural communities.