Forearm Circumference and Handgrip Strength Asymmetry in Badminton Athletes: A Cross Sectional Study

Abstract

Background: Badminton involves repeated unilateral use of the upper limb, which may be associated with side-to-side differences in anthropometric and functional characteristics.
Objective: To compare forearm circumference and handgrip strength between the dominant and non-dominant sides among badminton athletes in Denpasar and Badung.
Methods: This quantitative comparative cross-sectional study included 32 badminton athletes aged 18 to 25 years selected using purposive sampling. Forearm circumference was measured at the midpoint between the olecranon and radial styloid process using a nonelastic anthropometric tape. Handgrip strength was assessed with a Takei T.K.K. 5401 Grip D digital dynamometer. Descriptive statistics and paired samples t tests were reported at p < 0.05. Normality of paired differences was not assessed in the original analysis.
Results: Mean forearm circumference was 23.61 ± 2.03 cm on the dominant side and 21.69 ± 2.15 cm on the non-dominant side. Mean handgrip strength was 38.78 ± 7.51 kg and 32.18 ± 7.69 kg, respectively. Reported paired samples t tests showed significant differences in forearm circumference (mean difference 1.92 cm, t = 19.20, df = 31, p < 0.001) and handgrip strength (mean difference 6.60 kg, t = 14.06, df = 31, p < 0.001).
Conclusion: The studied athletes showed greater forearm circumference and handgrip strength on the dominant side. These findings describe side to side differences but do not establish that badminton participation caused the observed asymmetry.