Investigation of the relationship between anthropometric measurements and muscle strengths of upper extremity in football players

Although lower extremity is used as primer in football, upper extremities are very important for stability, speed and accelaration. The anthropometric properties of the athletes are one of necessary prerequisites for success that affect the performance. The hand grip strength is accepted as an objective measure for evaluation of upper extremity performance. The aim of our study is to investigate the effects of upper extremity’s anthropometric properties, age, height and weight of football players on hand grip strength. 25 male football players participated in this study who are training at least 8 hours a week and have been playing football for at least 5 years. Football players’ age, height, weight, anthropometric measurements (length of the upper extremity, circumference of the arm and forearm) and hand grip strength were measured. Measurements were performed for both dominant and non-dominant extremities. As a result, a significant correlation between length of the right upper extremity and the right hand grip strength was found (p<0,05). There was no significant correlation between age, height, weight and hand grip strength of football players (p>0,05). There was no significant difference between grip strengths of dominant and non-dominant extremities (p>0,05). When the obtained data were evaluated, it was thought that the relationship between length of the right upper extremity and the right hand grip strength of football players exists due to being dominant side. It was concluded that anthropometric measurements may have an effect on muscle strength but does not provide sufficient information about muscle strength and therefore muscle strength should be evaluated separately.