Evaluation of Handgrip Strength and Its Association with Anthropometric Characteristics and Physical Performance among Collegiate Cricketers in Punjab, India

Abstract

Handgrip strength is an important indicator of muscular fitness and plays a vital role in cricket performance. Its relationship with anthropometric characteristics and physical performance among collegiate cricketers has received limited attention, particularly in Punjab. The objective was to evaluate handgrip strength and examine its association with selected anthropometric characteristics and performance tests among district- and state-level male and female collegiate cricketers in Punjab. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 220 collegiate cricketers, including 145 males (75 district-level and 70 state-level) and 75 females (40 district-level and 35 state-level). Measurements included dominant and non-dominant handgrip strength, height, weight, body mass index, hand dimensions, forearm and upper-arm measurements, standing broad jump, and vertical jump. Data were analysed using standard statistical methods, including independent-samples t-tests, paired t-tests, one-way ANOVA followed by Tukey’s post hoc test, and Pearson’s correlation coefficient, with statistical significance set at p < 0.05. State-level cricketers demonstrated greater handgrip strength, more favourable anthropometric characteristics, and superior standing broad jump and vertical jump performance than district-level cricketers. Male cricketers also recorded significantly higher values than female cricketers for most variables. One-way ANOVA indicated significant differences among the four groups for all study variables (p < 0.05). Handgrip strength showed positive associations with hand dimensions, upper-arm circumference, and explosive performance measures. The findings suggest that handgrip strength is positively associated with anthropometric characteristics and physical performance in collegiate cricketers. State-level players exhibited superior physical profiles compared with district-level players, highlighting the value of handgrip strength assessment for talent identification and training.