Updated Age- and Sex-Specific Reference Values and Anthropometric Correlates of Maximum Handgrip Strength in...

Background/Objectives: Handgrip strength is a simple and reliable indicator of muscular fitness during childhood. However, updated reference values for handgrip strength in preschool children remain limited in many countries, including Chile. This study aimed to develop updated age- and sex-specific reference values for maximum handgrip strength in preschool children aged 4-6 years from the Araucanía Region, Chile, and to examine its associations with age and anthropometric characteristics. Methods: This cross-sectional study included 899 preschool children (464 boys and 435 girls) from the Araucanía Region, Chile. Handgrip strength was assessed using a Takei 5401 digital dynamometer following the PREFIT protocol. Maximum handgrip strength was defined as the highest value obtained from either hand. Age- and sex-specific percentile reference values (P5, P10, P25, P50, P75, P90, and P95) and interpolated percentile curves were generated. Associations of maximum handgrip strength with age and anthropometric variables were examined using Spearman's rank correlation coefficients. Results: Maximum handgrip strength increased progressively from 4 to 6 years in both sexes, with boys showing significantly higher mean values than girls at each age (all p ≤ 0.011; Cohen's d = 0.28-0.65). Median (P50) maximum handgrip strength increased from 6.5 to 9.1 kg in girls and from 7.2 to 9.9 kg in boys. Height showed the strongest correlation with maximum handgrip strength (ρ = 0.554), followed by body weight (ρ = 0.463), age (ρ = 0.458), waist circumference (ρ = 0.307), and body mass index (ρ = 0.184) (all p < 0.001). Conclusions: This study provides updated age- and sex-specific reference values and interpolated percentile curves for maximum handgrip strength in preschool children aged 4-6 years from the Araucanía Region, Chile. These regional reference data may facilitate the interpretation of handgrip strength performance in preschool children assessed under comparable conditions and provide a useful resource for physical fitness assessment and future research.