Influence of diet on grip strength and isometric endurance in healthy young adults; a cross-sectional study

Dietary intake influences muscle endurance and grip strength. The nutritional profile in the diet could affect the dietary benefits in vegetarians and non-vegetarians. Weaker handgrip strength has been well associated with premature death and disability. The carbohydrate and protein content in the diet has been directly associated with muscle strength and endurance. The present study aimed to find out the influence of diet on hand grip strength and isometric endurance in vegetarians and non-vegetarians in healthy adults.

The present study was conducted on 80 healthy young adults (18-20 years) with a normal body mass index, including 40 vegetarians and 40 non-vegetarians. The grip strength and hand muscle endurance was determined using the isometric handgrip spring dynamometer. The data was analyzed using SPSS software latest version and p<0.05 was considered to be statistically significant.

The non-vegetarian group showed significantly higher grip strength (30.18 ± 6.15 kg) compared to the vegetarian group (25.78 ± 5.42 kg; p<0.001). Similarly, hand muscle endurance was significantly greater in non-vegetarians (60.48 ± 12.64 s) than in vegetarians (48.10 ± 9.31 s; p<0.0001).Increase in the grip strength and hand muscle endurance has been observed in the non-vegetarian group compared to vegetarians.

The present research highlights the importance of dietary components, particularly the substantial role of animal-based proteins on muscle performance and endurance.