EFFECT OF RECREATIONAL SPORTS ON HANDGRIP STRENGTH AND ANTHROPOMETRY IN ADOLESCENT BASKETBALL AND VOLLEYBALL PLAYERS

Objective Comparing hand anthropometry in adolescent basketball and volleyball players at a local college. Methods 74 participants, 18-23 years recruited after informed consent. Purposive sampling used; 45 volleyball and 29 recreational, basketball players. Anthropometric measurements: Height, Weight, Body Mass Index, Dominant hand length, hand-span, upper extremity length and upper extremity bulk. Hand grip strength done by Biopac (SS2LB) on both hands. Results Dominant hand length, basketball players=7.8 ± 0.4″; volleyball players =7.6 ± 0.4″; (statistical difference, p-value 0.016). Difference between the two groups for dominant hand span was insignificant. Dominant upper extremity bulk for basketball players > volleyball players (12.5 ± 1.4″ and 11.9 ± 0.9″, respectively). Comparison between dominant and non-dominant hand grip strength within volleyball players, revealed significant p-value; mean hand grip strength for dominating hand > non-dominating hand. Same comparison was done for basketball players; no significant difference. Categorical analysis showed non-dominating hand grip strength significantly different between volleyball and basketball players. No participant with strength 45 kg and only 3 (6.7%) among volleyball players. Similar difference observed for dominating upper extremity bulk. Regression analysis showed non-dominating hand strength depends on hand length. Difference between the players for dominating and non-dominating hand grip strength was insignificant. Conclusion: Anthropometric data helps design specific sports training and justifies treatment and rehabilitation protocols in muscle physiology.  Key Words: Hand dimensions, hand grip strength, basketball, volleyball.