Hand grip strength and anthropometric characteristics in Italian female National basketball teams

Aim: In basketball, a number of movements rely on the continuous use of upper extremity muscles and grip strength in catching, holding, shooting, throwing, and passing accuracy (Visnapuu & Jurimae 2007). Performance differences among players of different ability levels have been identified also in the body anthropometric characteristics (e.g. height, Ackland et al. 1997). There is, however, a lack of grip strength and anthropometric data collected in basketball female elite players, to facilitate talent identification approach. The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of some hand and body dimensions on hand grip strength, to define a reference scale for talent identification. Methods: Body and hand anthropometric data and the maximal handgrip strength of 109 female Italian basketball National players (Under14-Seniores) were measured. Results: Handgrip strength and arm length trend increase, as well as age and sport level, raising the statistical significant differences only from 19 aged players (U20, Seniores) with respect to sub-elite groups (U14, U15) (p<0.05). Only Seniores showed an asymmetry, obtaining higher handgrip strength values in dominant side (+4 kgf) (p<0.001). Handgrip strength showed low positive correlations with height and BMI, whereas a positive relationships with arm length (r=0.5; p<0.001) was observed. Conclusions: Findings underline training and years of practice effects on handgrip strength increasing. Data show that to select female basketball players by arm length means to select by handgrip strength. Thus it is possible to suggest that in addition to height, also arm length could be considered an useful parameter in young female talent identification.