Correlation between hand grip strength, endurance, pinch grasp and pinch grip strength with writing speed among college going students.

Background

Handwriting is an essential functional skill for college students, particularly during academic examinations and notes taking that require sustained writing speed. Writing speed is influenced by various factors like hand grip strength, pinch grip strength, muscular endurance, and pencil grasp patterns these factors contribute to efficient fine motor performance. Hand grip and pinch strength are widely used clinical indicators of hand function, while muscle endurance plays an important role in maintaining prolonged writing tasks and minimizing fatigue. Previous studies have shown inconsistent findings regarding the relationship between hand parameters and writing speed, indicating that handwriting performance may be influenced by a combination of strength, endurance, and motor control rather than maximal strength alone. Pencil grasp patterns further affect biomechanical efficiency and muscle activation during writing, thereby influencing writing speed. Although existing studies have explored these factors individually, there is limited research investigating how hand grip strength, endurance, pinch grip strength, and pencil grasp are related to writing speed in college students.

Objectives

This study aims to find the correlation between clinical measures like hand grip strength, hand grip endurance, pinch grip strength, pencil grasp with handwriting speed in college-going students.

Methodology

This correlational, cross-sectional study enrolls 219 college students and will be done through convenience sampling. Participants for this study are fully enrolled college student aging between 18 to 25 years, both males and females and not having any upper limb injury. Hand grip strength and endurance will be assessed using a Jamar dynamometer, pinch grip strength using a pinch gauge, and pencil grasp patterns will be observed and classified according to 4 different categories. Handwriting speed will be measured using a words per minute test. Statistical analysis will be performed to determine correlations between the variables.