Relationship between physical strength measurements and anthropometric measurements: examples from Santal labourer population of Birbhum District, West Bengal, India

Abstract Background: Muscular/ physical strength are fundamental in order to satisfy basic needs for survival and productivity, especially among labourer population in developing countries. Research suggests physical body dimension is one of the key determinants of strength; however, the relationship between overall physical body dimension and strength is yet to explored. Aims: to explore the relationship between strength measurements and anthropometric profile of Santal labourer population.Subjects and methods: Cross sectional data on strength (handgrip and back strength) and anthropometric measurements were taken from 536 healthy adult Santal labourers (Male=251, Female=285) aged between 18 to 65 years of Birbhum district, West Bengal. Statistical analysis including Pearson’s correlation and canonical correlation analysis (CCA) were used. Results: Strength negatively correlated with age and positively correlated with most of anthropometric measurements. CCA between strength and anthropometry were 0.765 (p<0.001, explained 85.53% total variance) and 0.611 (p<0.001, explained 71.41% total variance) for males and females respectively. Cross-loading value of CCA indicate fat-free-mass, forearm circumference and weight for male and fat-free mass, chest circumference and wrist breadth for female were most important predictors of strength.Conclusion: Fat-free mass, forearm circumference, weight, chest circumference, wrist breadth were the key measurements for overall strength of Santal labourer population.