Abstract

Background: Exercises cause improvement in handgrip strength (HGS) and handgrip endurance (HGE) which can be measured using the handgrip dynamometer.

Aims and Objectives: The present study has been done with the objective of studying the effects of exercise on the HGS and HGE among overweight subjects.

Materials and Methods: The study subjects were 60 overweight female medical students who were categorized into exercising and non-exercising groups. The study participant’s HGS and HGE were determined using the handgrip spring-type dynamometer. An unpaired t-test was used to analyze the data.

Results: The HGS and HGE were found to be statistically better (P < 0.05) among the exercising overweight subjects than the non-exercising overweight subjects.

Conclusion: This study showed that there was a statistically significant improvement in the HGS and HGE among the exercising individuals than the non-exercising individuals. Although the subjects were overweight, making exercise a part of their daily lives may help in improving their overall muscle strength.

Key words: Handgrip Strength and Endurance; Handgrip Dynamometer; Exercise