Gender difference in handgrip strength of Italian children aged 9 to 10 years

Background Handgrip strength is an index of nutritional status which correlates to morbidity and mortality in young. It differs in adults and adolescents between gender. However, it is no clear whether a difference exists also in children aged 9 to 10 years, and which are the factors influencing it. Furthermore, data of Handgrip strength of Italian schoolchildren are lacking. Aim of this study was to provide Handgrip strength value from a sample of healthy Italian schoolchildren aged 9 to 10 years and to determine which factors affect grip strength at this age.