Huma S K, Madiha A, Shahid H, Ghani M.
Skeletal muscle function in a sample population of 1st year MBBS students at CMH lahore medical college.
Biomedica Jan ;30(4):251-4.

Background and Aims: Hand dynamometry is a predictor of surgical outcome and old age disability whereas peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR) has been used as an index of respiratory function. This study was designed to measure and compare the skeletal muscle strength and anthropometric markers of upper limb in healthy adults in a sample population of first year MBBS students and to study the correlation between lung function parameters such as PEFR and hand grip strength. Methods: Sixty three medical undergraduate students (33 male and 30 female) between the age of 19 – 21 years were included. Anthropometric measurements were performed according to published guidelines. Hand grip strength was measured by Biopac Hand dynamometer and PEFR was performed by using a Wright’s Peak flow meter. Data was analyzed by Student t test and Pearson’s correlation test. Results: There was a significant correlation between hand grip strength in the dominant hand and PEFR (correlation coefficient = 0.694, p = 0) across both genders. Hand grip strength was significantly correlated with upper arm length (correlation coefficient = 0.417, p = 0.001) and mean arm circumference (correlation coefficient = 0.307, p = 0.014). PEFR was also significantly correlated with BMI (correlation coefficient = 0.39, p = 0.002), upper arm length (correlation coefficient = 0.294, p = 0.02) and mean arm circumference (correlation coefficient = 0.396, p = 0.001). Conclusion: There is a positive correlation between skeletal muscle function as depicted by hand grip strength and PEFR with anthropometric measurements of upper arm such as mean arm circumference and upper arm length in healthy adults recruited in the study.

PakMediNet -Pakistan's largest Database of Pakistani Medical Journals - http://www.pakmedinet.com