Do anthropometric properties of the hand affect upper extremity functionality, physical activity, and disability in healthy youth?

Year 2025, Volume: 11 Issue: 5, 250 - 257

Musa Çankaya

https://doi.org/10.31459/turkjkin.1702280

Abstract

It was planned to investigate the anthropometric characteristics of the hand, upper extremity functionality, physical activity, and disabilities in healthy young people. Anthropometric characteristics of the hand and upper extremity functionality were assessed using the Upper Extremity Functional Index (UEFI); functional disability was assessed using the Disability of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand Questionnaire (DASH-T); and physical activity level was assessed using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ-Sf). The study included 266 healthy young people aged between 18-30 years (Mean 19.87±1.80 years). Wrist circumference, hand length, and finger width, among the anthropometric measurements of the hand, were not significantly correlated with UEFI (r=0.010, p=0.872; r=-0.004, p=0.943; r=-0.060, p=0.329, respectively). Wrist circumference, hand length, and finger width were not significantly correlated with IPAQ-sf (r=0.029, p=0.624; r=-0.026, p=0.634; r=-0.011, p=0.858, respectively). Wrist circumference and finger length have a very weak negative correlation with DASH-T (r=-0.152, p=0.013; r=-0.166, p=0.007, respectively). There is a moderate positive correlation between wrist circumference and hand length (r=0.540, p<.001). There is a moderate positive correlation between hand length and finger width (r=0.502, p<.001). Hand anthropometric measurements were significantly associated with functional disability but not with upper extremity functionality or physical activity level. Wrist circumference was found to be associated with hand length and finger length.

Keywords

Disability evaluation , ergonomic , exercise , healthy volunteers , upper extremity

Ethical Statement

Ethical approval was obtained from Necmettin Erbakan University Health Sciences Scientific Research Ethics Committee (Decision No: 2025/1047, Application Id: 24725).

Supporting Institution

This study was supported by Necmettin Erbakan University, Scientific Research Projects Unit (Project number: 25GAP58001).

Project Number

25GAP58001

Thanks

The authors acknowledge and thank the participants for their contribution to the study.

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