Exploring the Relationship Between Handgrip Strength, Body Fat Mass, and Fat-Free Mass in Male and Female Handball Athletes

Abstract

This research endeavors to examine the correlation among handgrip strength (HGS), body fat mass (BFM), and fat-free mass (FFM) within the population of handball athletes.
This was a cross-sectional study involving 81 handball athletes consisting of 44 males (Age 17.4±1.5 years, height 1.73±0.06 m, body weight 64.7±10.5 kg, BMI 21.6±2.9 kg/m2) and 37 females (Age 17.0±1.4 years, height 1.61±0.06 m, body mass 55.9±10.2 kg, BMI 21.7±3.7 kg/m2).
There was a correlation in male handball athletes where the right HGS was correlated with the right BFM (r=0.231; p=0.022), the right HGS with the right FFM (r=0.302; p=0.003), the left HGS with the left FFM (r=0.297; p=0.003). Meanwhile, in female handball athletes, the right HGS was correlated with the right FFM (r=0.466; p=0.004), and the left HGS with the left FFM (r=0.448; p=0.005). This research elucidates that substantial correlations exist between Fat-Free Mass (FFM) and both right and left handgrip strength (HGS) in male and female handball athletes. In contrast, BFM only correlates with the right HGS, but not with the left HGS. This is likely influenced by the dominant side of the muscle. Thus, strength training programs should be focused on improving FFM as a whole, while also considering the potential for muscle imbalances due to the dominance of one side of the body to enhance the overall efficiency of physical capabilities.