Association of anthropometric adiposity indices and hand grip strength among male industrial workers in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India: A cross-sectional study

Background: Hand Grip Strength (HGS), a basic, non-invasive measure of musculoskeletal function is found to be a risk marker for cardiovascular diseases, respiratory diseases, diabetes, metabolic syndrome, and cancer. Considering the importance and paucity of studies among industrial workers, we aim to study the association between anthropometric adiposity indices and the HGS of industrial workers. Materials and Methods: The study is a descriptive, cross-sectional study. Anthropometric measurements and HGS of 198 male industrial workers between 21 and 60 years of age, employed at metal manufacturing industries in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India were assessed. Statistical Analysis: Descriptive and inferential statistics were done using "R" statistical software. Results: The mean age of male industrial workers was 39.51 +/- 12.20 years. The majority of the workers were found to be obese (64%) and the mean body fat percentage was 27.69 +/- 5.13%. The mean HGS of the worker's dominant hand was found to be 35.80 +/- 8.93 kg and of their non-dominant hand was 35.0 +/- 8.67 kg. When compared to the normative values of HGS for Indians, results revealed significantly higher HGS of both dominant and non-dominant hands of workers between the age group of 21-30 years and 51-60 years. Multiple linear regression analysis revealed that body weight [beta(s.e) =0.27 (0.05), P < 0.000], body fat [beta(s.e) = -0.52 (0.14), P < 0.000) and WHR [beta(s.e) = -28.81 (11.9), P = 0.017] independently predicted the HGS of dominant hand. In non-dominant hand, body weight [beta(s.e) = 0.26 (0.05), P < 0.000] and body fat [beta(s.e) = -0.60 (0.13), P < 0.000] independently predicted HGS. Conclusions: Body fat, body weight, and Waist-to-Hip ratio (WHR) were found to have a significant influence on the HGS of industrial workers. Strategies aimed to reduce overall body fat and abdominal obesity may prove beneficial in improving HGS and nutritional status thereby reducing the risk of non-communicable diseases.