Author(s): KOLIMECHKOV, S., Institution: KENSINGTON & CHELSEA GYMNASTICS ACADEMY, Country: UNITED KINGDOM, Abstract-ID: 219

INTRODUCTION:
Handgrip strength (HGS) asymmetry is commonly observed during childhood and is typically attributed to hand dominance and unilateral daily activities. Training environments that require bilateral support and coordinated upper-limb loading may influence the development of more balanced strength profiles. Recreational gymnastics involves frequent symmetrical weight-bearing, hanging, and support tasks and may therefore contribute to bilateral strength development during early childhood. This study examined left–right HGS balance in primary-school girls practising recreational gymnastics.
METHODS:
Thirty girls (age 8.74 ± 1.55 years) participating in recreational gymnastics for 1–2 sessions·per week (experience 2.0 ± 0.7 years) were assessed using a cross-sectional design. Bilateral HGS was measured with a digital hand dynamometer (TKK 5101 Grip-D, Takey, Tokyo, Japan) following the ALPHA (2009) protocol, with the elbow fully extended and grip span individually adjusted using age- and sex-specific equations. An Asymmetry Index (AI) was calculated as |R–L| / max(R,L) × 100, with values >10% indicating notable asymmetry. Paired t-tests assessed side differences, and Pearson correlations examined associations between AI and age, gymnastics experience, and body mass index (BMI).
RESULTS:
Mean HGS was 11.81 ± 2.85 kg (right) and 11.48 ± 3.00 kg (left), with a small, non-significant side difference (Δ = 0.33 kg; p = 0.145; Cohen’s d = 0.27). Mean AI was 8.22 ± 6.26%, and the median AI was 6.37%. Only 33.3% of participants exceeded the 10% asymmetry threshold. Weak negative associations were observed between AI and age (r = –0.30), gymnastics experience (r = –0.18), and BMI (r = –0.17).
CONCLUSION:
Primary-school girls practising recreational gymnastics demonstrated high bilateral balance of upper-limb strength, characterised by minimal side dominance and a low prevalence of marked asymmetry. These findings suggest that gymnastics-based activity may support balanced neuromuscular development of the upper limbs during childhood. Further longitudinal and comparative studies are warranted to clarify developmental trajectories and potential sex-specific adaptations.