Effects of Head-Neck Positions on the Hand Grip Strength in Healthy Young Adults: A Cross-Sectional Study

BACKGROUND: Assessment of hand grip strength is vital for the evaluation of upper limb impairments and effective exercise prescription. Present study primarily aimed to investigate the effect of head-neck positions on the hand grip strength in healthy young adults. Secondarily, the present study compared hand grip strength between left versus right hand in different head-neck positions. METHODS: Healthy young adults (age 19 – 30 year; n = 40) participated in this cross-sectional study. Hand grip strength was assessed in three head-neck positions (neutral, rotation left, and rotation right) using the standard adjustable Jamar hand dynamometer. RESULTS: Hand grip strength in both sides (left and right) was greatest in the head-neck neutral position. Hand grip strength measured in head-neck left rotation position displayed the least strength in both sides. There was no significant difference noted between left and right side hand grip strength measured in head-neck neutral and right rotation positions. However, there was a significant difference noted between left and right side hand grip strength measured in head-neck left rotation positions. There was no significant effect of head-neck positions on hand grip strength noted in both sides. CONCLUSIONS: Hand grip strength was highest in the head-neck neutral position followed by head-neck rotation to the right. However, head-neck positions did not significantly affect hand grip strength in healthy young adults. Further studies assessing the hand grip strength in different neck positions in patients with neck pain and upper limb dysfunction may have significant implications for the assessment of hand grip strength.