Correlation Between Body Mass Index, Manual Dexterity and Handgrip Strength in School Aged Children

Abstract

Background: Childhood obesity and overweight have been related to a number of ailments and health issues. The human hand performs the challenging everyday chores and is the most engaging and energetic portion of the upper limb. An essential factor in assessing hand function is dexterity. Objectives: To investigate the relation between body mass index (BMI), manual dexterity and handgrip strength in school aged children having normal weight, overweight or obesity. Subjects and Methods: One hundred and five primary school children divided into thirty-five students having normal weight, thirty-five overweight students and thirty-five obese students, from both sex and ranging in age from 9 to 11 years, participated in the study. They were selected from governmental primary school in Shibin Alaqanater, Qalyubia Governorate. For assessment of BMI, the height and weight were measured. The assessment of manual dexterity was carried out by using Bruinink-Oseretsky test for motor proficiency 2 nd edition (BOT-2) and handgrip strength (HGS) was assessed by handheld dynamometer. Results: BMI and HGS showed a mild positive link, while BMI and manual dexterity showed a weak positive non-significant correlation. Conclusion: It is concluded that no correlation was found between BMI and manual dexterity but due to the correlation between BMI and HGS it's recommended that HGS regularly measured in school aged children.