Relationship Between Estimated VO2max and Handgrip Strength in Healthy Young Nigerian Adults

Authors

Oluwatobiloba Ajepe, University of LagosFollow
Nnamdi Mgbemena, James Cook UniversityFollow
Udoka Okafor, University of LagosFollow
Oluwatosin Ehuwa, University of LagosFollow
Chukwuebuka Okeke, Nnamdi Azikiwe UniversityFollow
Oladuni Osundiya, University of LagosFollow
Jeremiah Oyedemi, University of LagosFollow
Chidinma Ezeugwa, University of LagosFollow

Abstract

Purpose: This study investigated the relationship between estimated oxygen consumption (VO₂max) and handgrip strength (HGS) among healthy young Nigerian adults. Methods: This was a cross sectional study, which involved 400 volunteers (171 males; 229 females) aged between 18–40years. Participants’ HGS was assessed using a CAMRY EH-101 hand dynamometer while VO₂max was estimated using a standard formula that includes measurement of resting heart rate. Demographic data was summarized using percentages, mean and standard deviation. Physical activity level of the participants was assessed using long form of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire. Independent t-test was used to compare the mean values of the variables between male and female participants. Pearson’s correlation was used to determine the strength of relationship between estimated VO₂max and HGS, while multiple regression analysis was conducted to determine the predictors of estimated VO₂max using HGS as well as body mass index (BMI), physical activity (PA) level, age and sex as co‐variates. Level of significance was set at p<0.05. Results: HGS, VO₂max and PA level were significantly (p= 0.001) different between male and female participants. There was a significant moderate correlation between HGS and VO₂max (r= 0.40, p= 0.001). The results of the regression analysis showed that HGS is not significant predictor of estimated VO₂max; whereas, sex, BMI and PA level were significant predictors of estimated VO₂max. Conclusion: Although HGS is moderately correlated with estimated VO₂max, HGS may not be a relevant tool for predicting estimated VO₂max in healthy young adults.

Author Bio(s)

Titilope O. Ajepe, Ph.D, is a lecturer in the Department of Physiotherapy, College of Medicine, University of Lagos, Nigeria.

Nnamdi C. Mgbemena, MSc.PT, is a Ph.D candidate in the College of Healthcare Sciences, James Cook University, Australia.

Udoka C. Okafor, Ph.D, is a senior lecturer in the Department of Physiotherapy, College of Medicine, University of Lagos, Nigeria

Oluwatosin O. Ehuwa, B.PT, is a graduate physiotherapist from the Department of Physiotherapy, College of Medicine, University of Lagos, Nigeria.

Chukwuebuka O. Okeke, MSc.PT, is a lecturer in the Department of Physiotherapy, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Nigeria.

Oladuni C. Osundiya, Ph.D, is a lecturer in the Department of Physiotherapy, College of Medicine, University of Lagos, Nigeria

Jeremiah P. Oyedemi, B.PT, is a graduate physiotherapist from the Department of Physiotherapy, College of Medicine, University of Lagos, Nigeria

Chidinma J. Ezeugwa, MSc.PT, is a graduate assistant and also a Ph.D student in the Department of Physiotherapy, College of Medicine, University of Lagos, Nigeria

Acknowledgements

Authors would like than appreciate all the students who voluntarily participated in this study. This research did not receive any specific grant from funding agencies in the public, commercial, or not-for-profit sectors.

DOI

10.46743/1540-580X/2022.2079

Recommended Citation

Ajepe O, Mgbemena N, Okafor U, Ehuwa O, Okeke C, Osundiya O, et al. Relationship Between Estimated VO2max and Handgrip Strength in Healthy Young Nigerian Adults. The Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice. 2022 Jan 03;20(1), Article 17.