Journal of the Korean Society of Physical Medicine (대한물리의학회지)

The Korean Society of Physical Medicine (대한물리의학회)
권호 표지
DOI QR코드

DOI QR Code

Comparative Analysis of Grip Strength between Military Personnel and Civilian Adults

  • Received : 2024.04.25
  • Accepted : 2024.07.11
  • Published : 2024.08.31
Download PDF
⟨ Previous Next ⟩

Abstract

PURPOSE: This study compared the grip strength of young adult male soldiers who had undergone military training with civilian adult males by indirectly examining the impact of military training on the grip strength and overall muscle mass. Grip strength, an essential biomarker for overall health and crucial combat abilities, was explored within the demanding conditions of military service. METHODS: The research measured the grip strength of soldiers actively serving in the military and compared it with data from healthy civilian males in their twenties to determine if a structured training regime significantly enhances grip strength more than a typical civilian lifestyle. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics with the means and group differences assessed using a t-test (p < .05). An online survey was conducted among the military group to self-assess the changes in grip strength before and after enlistment to gauge the awareness of such changes. RESULTS: Significant differences were observed between the groups, with an observable increase in grip strength with age within the military group, suggesting that military training can positively impact muscle maintenance and enhance daily life. CONCLUSION: Further research will be needed to elucidate the effects of military physical training programs and their broader implications for military readiness and overall health.

Keywords

Acknowledgement

This study was supported by research funding from Sehan University in 2024.

References

  1. Ferrari, S., Bianchi, M. L., Eisman, J. A., et al. Osteoporosis in young adults: pathophysiology, diagnosis, and management. Osteoporos Int. 2016;23(12):2735-48.  https://doi.org/10.1007/s00198-012-2030-x
  2. Han, JC, Lawlor, DA, Kimm, SY. Childhood obesity. Lancet. 2010;375(9727):1737-48.  https://doi.org/10.1016/S0140-6736(10)60171-7
  3. Kim SY, Choi SW. Causes of rising obesity rate in Korea: An economics perspective. Korean Journal of Agricultural Management and Policy. 2012;39(2): 320-48 
  4. Jang HC. Recent progression in sarcopenia and sarcopenic obesity. AGMR. 2011;15(1):1-7.  https://doi.org/10.4235/jkgs.2011.15.1.1
  5. Kim YH, Khil JH. Effects of exercise training and chiropractic on grip strength and cervical muscle strength of subjects with forward head posture and turtle neck. J Korean Soc Phys Med. 2017;12(2):121-7.  https://doi.org/10.13066/kspm.2017.12.2.121
  6. Jang JH, Choi JH. The effect of taping on the change of elbow joint angle grip force of normal adult males in 20s. J Korean Soc Phys Med. 2018;13(2):109-14.  https://doi.org/10.13066/kspm.2018.13.2.109
  7. Rantanen T, Harris T, Leveille SG, et al. Muscle strength and body mass index as long-term predictors of mortality in initially healthy men. J Gerontol A Biol Sci Med Sci. 2000;55(3):M168-73.  https://doi.org/10.1093/gerona/55.3.M168
  8. Massy-Westropp NM, Gill TK, Taylor AW, et al. Hand grip strength: age and gender stratified normative data in a population-based study. BMC Res Notes. 2011;4:1272. 
  9. Smith C, Doma K, Heilbronn B, et al. Effect of exercise training programs on physical fitness domains in military personnel: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Military Medicine. 2022;9-10(187):1065-73.  https://doi.org/10.1093/milmed/usac040
  10. Knapik JJ, Rieger W, Palkoska F, et al. United States Army physical readiness training: rationale and evaluation of the physical training doctrine. J Strength Cond Res. 2009;23(4):1353-62.  https://doi.org/10.1519/JSC.0b013e318194df72
  11. Bohannon RW, Peolsson A, Massy-Westropp N, et al. Reference values for adult grip strength measured with a Jamar dynamometer: a descriptive meta-analysis. Physiotherapy. 2006;92(1):11-5.  https://doi.org/10.1016/j.physio.2005.05.003
  12. Leong DP, Teo K, Rangarajan S, et al. Prognostic value of grip strength: findings from the Prospective Urban Rural Epidemiology (PURE) study. Lancet. 2015:386(9990): 266-73.  https://doi.org/10.1016/S0140-6736(14)62000-6
  13. Li M, Yao W, Sundahl C. Motor unit number estimate and isometric hand grip strength in military veterans with or without muscular complaints: reference values for longitudinal follow-up. Mil Med, 2018;183(9-10):399-404.  https://doi.org/10.1093/milmed/usy025
  14. Beattie K, Kenny IC, Lyons M, et al. The effect of strength training on performance in endurance athletes. Sports Med. 2014;44(6): 845-65.  https://doi.org/10.1007/s40279-014-0157-y
  15. Beyer KS, Fukuda DH, Boone CH, et al. Short-term unilateral resistance training results in cross education of strength without changes in muscle size, activation, or endocrine response. J Strength Cond Res. 2016;30(5):1213-23.  https://doi.org/10.1519/JSC.0000000000001219
  16. Kim MK, Yun DE, Effect of trigger finger on pain, grip strength and function of upper limb of patients with carpal tunnel syndrome: a cross-sectional study. J Korean Soc Phys Med, 2021;16(1):63-71.  https://doi.org/10.13066/kspm.2021.16.1.63
  17. Perna FM, Coa K, Troiano RP, et al. Muscular Grip Strength Estimates of the U.S. Population from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2011-2012. J Strength Cond Res, 2016:30(3):867-74. https://doi.org/10.1519/JSC.0000000000001104