CORRELATION BETWEEN PHYSICAL ACTIVITY, BODY MASS INDEX, AND HAND GRIP STRENGTH IN EARLY YEARS OF HEALTH SCIENCES UNDERGRADUATES
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.32782/sports-education/2025-1-8Keywords:
Physical activity, Body Mass Index, Hand Grip Strength, Allied Health Sciences, UndergraduatesAbstract
Background: Physical activity (PA), Body Mass Index (BMI), and Hand Grip Strength (HGS) collectively form integral components in gauging health and well-being. PA, spanning daily activities to structured exercise, influences body composition by expending energy, reducing fat stores, and enhancing muscle mass. BMI provides a standardized measure for assessing weight status, transcending age and gender, while HGS serves as a robust indicator of overall muscle potency. Understanding the interplay between these factors is crucial for comprehensive health assessment. Objective: To assess the correlation between PA, BMI, and HGS in early years of Allied Health Science undergraduates at the University of Peradeniya. Methodology: A descriptive cross-sectional design was employed, encompassing 212 second-year undergraduates from various Allied Health Science disciplines. Data collection included demographic information, anthropometric measurements, BMI assessment, PA level using International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) short form and HGS evaluation using a hand dynamometer. Spearman’s correlation test elucidated associations between PA, BMI, and HGS. Results: Significant positive correlations were observed between PA and HGS on both dominant (r=0.535) and non-dominant sides (r=0.546), indicating increased PA associated with enhanced HGS. A weak positive correlation emerged between BMI and HGS on both sides (r=0.282 dominant, r=0.276 non-dominant), highlighting a subtle connection. A very weak positive correlation was found between PA and BMI (r=0.144), emphasizing multifaceted influences on BMI. Conclusion: This investigation elucidates nuanced correlations among PA, BMI, and HGS in early health science graduates. The findings underscore the importance of holistic perspectives in health-related data interpretation. These insights inform targeted interventions to enhance PA and well-being among Health Sciences graduates, with broader implications for public health.
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