Differential Relationship of Grip Strength with Body Composition and Lifestyle Factors Between Indian Urban and Rural Boys and Girls

Objectives To assess grip strength and gender differences in grip strength in 9–18-y-old urban and rural Indian children, to study association of grip strength with body composition, and assess determinants of grip strength. Methods This was part of a multicenter, cross-sectional, school-based study ( n = 1978, mean age 13.3 ± 2.2 y) from three urban and rural states. Anthropometry, body composition, dietary intake, physical activity, sunlight exposure, and grip strength (in kg) were measured. Results Mean grip strength increased with age but plateaued in girls after 12 y and was higher in boys (19.6 ± 9.2) than girls (14.3 ± 5.3) ( p < 0.05). Mean grip strength was higher in urban (21.05 ± 9.7) than in rural boys (17.8 ± 8.2) ( p < 0.05), and comparable in urban (14.9 ± 5.2) and rural girls (13.8 ± 5.5). Grip strength in girls remained lower than boys after adjusting for muscle mass. Difference between boys and girls reduced after body size [body mass index (BMI)] correction, but remained low in girls, plateauing after 15 y. Muscle mass and age were significant determinants of grip strength in all children. On addition of lifestyle factors to the model, grip strength was explained to varied degrees in the children. Conclusion In boys, nutrition through body size and composition was largely responsible for the differences in grip strength, and in girls, additionally, sociocultural factors also possibly impacted grip strength.