EFFECT OF WRIST WRAP IN HANDGRIP STRENGTH IN CROSSFIT

Abstract

Objective: Analyze wrist wrap influence on the values of maximum handgrip strength and dynamic resistance. Methods: A controlled randomized cross-over trial including 54 Crossfit participants randomly assigned to two groups. Group 1 began the series of tests with control wrapping, and Group 2 started with functional wrapping. Alternate series of four dynamic grip strength resistance tests were performed, and the resistance and fatigue values were calculated. Results: The values obtained from the grip tests did not indicate any effect from the wrist wrap for an increase in maximum grip strength (35.7 vs. 35.6 kg; p=0.737) or greater endurance (78.2 vs. 77.8%; p=0.549). Fatigue was also equal in both groups (mean differences between the groups: 0.1 kg, CI= -0.7–0.8; p=0.779). Conclusion: The hypothesis that using a wrist wrap increases maximum strength and dynamic handgrip endurance was rejected in this study.