Evaluating the Effect of Physical Work Capacity and Gender on Hand Grip Strength of the Youth

A person can perform heavy activities easier when he has high aerobic capacity. Measuring hand grip is a cheap and easy way to measure muscle strength. This study aims at evaluating the effect of physical work capacity (PWC) and gender on hand grip strength in the youth. This cross-sectional study was performed on 120 young people (19-29 years old) by means of simple random sampling. To assess the PWC, grip and pinch strength and endurance, the step test (McArdle method), dynamometer, and pinch gauge were used, respectively. Data analysis was carried out using independent-samples t-test and paired-samples t-test via SPSS software. P-value < 0.050 was considered significant. Findings: PWC, grip and pinch strength and endurance in men were higher than women (P < 0.050). Meanwhile, PWC in men and women affected only the pinch strength and grip endurance, respectively (P < 0.050). In jobs that require high pinch strength and grip endurance, it is necessary to employ those with high PWC, so that the irreparable damages caused by incongruity between the job and the worker could be prevented or reduced. In general, gender should be considered as an important factor in employing workers in different jobs