Prediction of lung function using handgrip strength in healthy young adults

Positive association between physical activity and spirometry has been reported to be possibly attributed to handgrip strength (HGS), particularly in the elderly. However, the nature of the association between HGS and lung function in young adults is still unclear. This study investigated the prediction of lung function using HGS in young adults. A cross-sectional analytical study was carried out on four hundred (400) apparently healthy medical students who are aged 16-30 years. Handgrip strength (dominant and nondominant) and lung function (FEV₁ , FVC and PEFR) of these students were assessed using Jamar dynamometer and a portable spirometer, respectively. Data were analyzed using inferential statistics. Independent t-test showed that the mean values of HGS and lung function of the males were significantly higher than the females (P < 0.0005). The relationship between HGS and lung function indices was significant (P < 0.0005) in all the participants but strongest for FEV₁ (r = 0.64). The regression analysis showed that in addition to gender and height, HGS was a significant (P < 0.0005) predictor of lung function. Regression equations were also proposed for the prediction of these lung function indices using HGS, gender and height. This study is the first to report HGS as a significant predictor of pulmonary function in healthy young adults living in a low-resource country. Hence, its use could enhance medical practice in being an indicator of lung function status in healthy young adults.