Gender differences and laterality in maximal handgrip strength and controlled force exertion in young adults

This study examines gender differences and laterality in maximal handgrip strength and controlled force exertion (CFE) in young adults. The subjects were 75 healthy young males (mean age 19.6 ± 1.6 yrs.) and 50 healthy young females (mean age 20.9 ± 1.9 yrs.). Maximal handgrip strength was measured twice. The subjects performed the CFE test three times after one practice trial. They matched their handgrip strengths to the demand values, which constantly changed and ranged from 5 to 25% of maximal handgrip strength. The difference between the demand value and the grip exertion value was used as an estimate of CFE. Maximal handgrip strength was significantly larger in males than in females in both the dominant and non-dominant hands, and was significantly larger in the dominant hand in both males and females. Insignificant gender differences were found in CFE of both hands. CFE was significantly superior in the dominant hand in both genders. In conclusions, gender differences are present in maximal handgrip strength of the dominant and non-dominant hands in young adults, but not in CFE of both hands. Laterality exists in maximal handgrip strength and in CFE for both genders.