ASSOCIATION BETWEEN HANDGRIP STRENGTH, HEALTH-RELATED QUALITY OF LIFE, AND PHYSICAL FITNESS IN ADULTS: IMPLICATIONS FOR PUBLIC HEALTH SCREENING

Abstract

Background

Handgrip strength is increasingly recognized as an indicator of overall physical fitness and health-related quality of life (HRQOL). However, limited evidence exists regarding its relationship with HRQOL and other fitness parameters among sedentary adults.

Objective

The present study aimed to examine the relationship between handgrip strength, physical fitness components, and health-related quality of life in sedentary adults.

Methods

Twenty sedentary adults aged 18–55 years were recruited using the Physical Activity Readiness Questionnaire (PAR-Q). Physical fitness assessments included kin anthropometry, flexibility, handgrip strength, and cardiorespiratory endurance (VO₂ Max). Health-related quality of life was evaluated using a structured questionnaire incorporating physical activity measures and the World Health Organization Quality of Life instrument (WHOQOL-BREF). Pearson’s correlation coefficients were used to determine associations among variables, while multiple regression analysis was performed to examine the extent to which body composition, flexibility, and handgrip strength predicted HRQOL.

Results

Significant associations were observed between selected physical fitness variables and HRQOL domains. Cardiorespiratory endurance (VO₂ Max) showed a significant positive correlation with the social relationship’s domain of HRQOL (p = 0.022, r = 0.507). A significant negative correlation was found between waist–hip ratio (WHR) and the environmental domain of HRQOL (p = 0.027, r = −0.493), as well as between lean mass and the environmental domain (p = 0.040, r = −0.462). However, multiple regression analysis revealed no significant predictive association between the selected physical fitness variables and overall HRQOL.

Conclusion

Although certain physical fitness parameters demonstrated significant correlations with specific HRQOL domains, no significant predictive relationships were identified through regression analysis. These findings highlight the need for further research to better understand the multifactorial determinants of HRQOL. The study underscores the importance of adopting a systemic and multidimensional approach when examining physical fitness as a component influencing health-related quality of life.