Effect of Exercises on Hand Grip Strength among Nursing Students

Hand grip strength is a critical component of physical fitness for nursing students, directly influencing their ability to perform tasks such as lifting patients, handling medical equipment, and carrying out routine clinical duties. Weak grip strength may increase the risk of fatigue, musculoskeletal injuries, and reduced work efficiency. Regular hand and arm exercises can enhance muscular strength and functional capacity. This study aimed to determine whether a structured exercise program could improve hand grip strength among nursing students in selected nursing institutes.

(1) To assess the hand grip strength among nursing students. (2) To evaluate the effect of exercises on hand grip strength among nursing students. (3) To find the association of hand grip strength with selected demographic variables.

This quantitative study employed a quasi-experimental design with a control group pre-test and post-test assessment. A total of 200 final-year nursing students were recruited using simple random sampling, with 100 students each in the experimental and control groups. The intervention included four exercises, i.e., prayer stretch, ball squeezing, finger flexor, and wet towel squeezing performed over a 10-day period. Hand grip strength was measured using a standardized hand grip strength assessment scale and a dynamometer. Demographic variables, including age, gender, BMI, and hand dominance were recorded. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, paired t-tests, and two-sample z-tests to evaluate the effect of exercises, and Fisher's exact test to assess associations with demographic variables.

Analysis revealed that the majority of participants were aged 22-24 years, predominantly female, and right-handed. Body mass index distribution indicated more overweight students in the experimental group and more normal-weight students in the control group. Post-intervention results showed significant improvements in hand grip strength in the experimental group: weak grip decreased from 85% to 36%, normal grip increased from 15% to 58%, and strong grip emerged at 6%. In contrast, the control group exhibited minimal changes. The paired t-test confirmed highly significant gains in the experimental group (pretest mean = 23.8, standard deviation [SD] =6.2; posttest mean = 31.3, SD = 8.7; t = 15.9, P = 0.000). Two-sample z-test indicated greater improvement in the experimental group (mean change = 7.5 ± 4.7) compared to the control (2.8 ± 4.0), z = 7.7, P = 0.000. Fisher's exact test revealed significant associations between hand grip strength and gender (P = 0.001) and BMI (P = 0.001), whereas age and hand dominance showed no significant associations.

The study demonstrates that structured exercise programs effectively enhance hand grip strength among nursing students, with outcomes significantly influenced by gender and BMI. These findings underscore the importance of incorporating targeted hand and arm strengthening exercises into nursing curricula to improve students' physical readiness, functional capability, and occupational performance.