Comparing handgrip strength between judokas and non-judokas using population-based normative values

Recently, a novel index (HGSindex) was proposed to compare the handgrip strength (HGS) within and between judokas and non-judokas considering the body mass (BM). However, some studies consider body height (BH) as the most appropriate parameter. So, the aims of the present study were as follows: (1) determine which variable (BM or BH) provides a better normalization of the HGS in groups of judokas and non-judokas and (2) evaluate the HGS of these groups using the HGSindex based on normative values. Participants were 84 male judoka (JM), 25 female judoka (JF), and 44 nonathlete males (NA). Using allometry, the HGS was normalized and the HGSindex was calculated. Statistical tests evaluated correlations, means, and effect sizes. The results showed that JM and NA groups exhibited stronger HGS compared to nonathletes expected values, while the JF group showed similar performance. BM and BH were suitable variables for HGS normalization, even if BH did not significantly correlate with HGS in the JF group. Furthermore, normalizing HGS for BM removed the BH effect, but not vice versa. Individual HGSindex varied within the groups, ranging from superior to inferior. On average, the JM group had superior performance (HGSindex = 19.32