Normative static grip strength and some anthropometric measures of children and adolescent population of türki̇ye

Due to the anthropometric variations among world populations, each country should develop its own normative data for the purpose of design. To this end, this study aims to establish the normative isometric grip strength and several anthropometric measures of children-adolescent population of Türkiye for 6 to 17 years age group. The secondary aim was to investigate the effects of gender, and age-group on grip strength and also compare the results of this study to world populations. The sample consisted of 459 volunteer participants (232 girls, 227 boys) with family origin from 7 regions of Türkiye. Grip strength data were collected using a digital Jamar handgrip dynamometer with standard testing position, protocol and instructions. The mean and standard deviation of grip strength of dominant hand (in N) for girls ranged from 66.63 ± 11.96 corresponding to 6 years of age group to 283.48 ± 26.21 corresponding to 17 years of age group. For boys, the values were 82.14 ±13.98 for 6-year boys and 447.12 ±56.29 for 17-year-old teenagers. The findings illustrate significant gender difference, with boys displaying greater strength than girls in both dominant and non-dominant hands. A positive correlation was observed between handgrip strength and age, height, and weight. These results are important for informing ergonomic designs tailored to children, highlighting the inadequacy of using adult-based databases for children's products. This study not only adds to the global understanding of children-adolescent grip strength but also emphasizes the need for region-specific ergonomic data to improve the design of children's toys, tools, and products.