Hand Grip Strength Among Rock Climbers, Active, and Sedentary Populations

Presenter Information

Russell Lindahl, Minnesota State University, Mankato
Matthew Heiling, Minnesota State University, Mankato

Location

CSU Ballroom

Start Date

2-4-2019 2:00 PM

End Date

2-4-2019 3:30 PM

Student's Major

Human Performance

Student's College

Allied Health and Nursing

Mentor's Name

Jessica Albers

Mentor's Department

Human Performance

Mentor's College

Allied Health and Nursing

Description

Hand grip strength has been found to be a prediction of overall muscular strength and endurance. Studies show varied results about the relationship between the hand grip strength of active rock climbers and the grip strength of people who do not participate in rock climbing. One study found that rock climbers had better grip strength that the non-climbers. Purpose: The purpose of this research was to analyze the differences and/or similarities in hand grip strength between people of differing lifestyles with differing levels of activity. Methods: Participants for this study were primarily college-aged students. The participants completed a consent form, a demographics survey, a hand-grip self-efficacy questionnaire, as well as a physical ability survey. Once that was completed, participants' hand grip strength was measured using a hand grip dynamometer. Three trials were taken for both the dominant hand and the non-dominant hand. Participants were offered a small package of fruit snacks or a granola bar as compensation for their participation. Results: Data is currently being collected through the start of March, 2019. Conclusions: Data will be analyzed, and results and conclusions will be presented at the conference.