Abstract
We aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of using handgrip strength (HGS) in determining malnutrition in adolescents. Sixty-two participants (10-18 years of age), 33 malnourished and 29 healthy participants, were recruited. A questionnaire was administered, and anthropometric parameters and HGS were measured. Dominant HGS was different in children with (11.6 +/- 5.8 nkgF) or without (21.6 +/- 5.7 kgF) malnutrition (P < .001). Body mass index, triceps/biceps skinfold, neck/waist/wrist circumferences, and arm muscle area were correlated with HGS. According to receiver operating characteristic analysis, dominant (area under the curve [AUC]: 85.9%), and nondominant HGSs (AUC: 83.9%) were possible predictors for malnutrition. HGS may be used as a tool for malnutrition assessment in adolescents.