The Relationship between Core Endurance, Hand Grip Strength, and Reaction Time in Young Adults

Aim: The aim of the study was to examine the relationship between core endurance, hand grip strength, and reaction time in young adults. Method: Fifty-two undergraduate students with an average age of 21.07 (1.46) were included in this cross-sectional, observational study. Core endurance (McGill’s Core Endurance Tests), hand grip strength (Jamar Hydraulic Hand Dynamometer), and the lower extremity reaction time (OptoGait device) were assessed. Results: There was a moderate, positive correlation between the left-right trunk lateral endurance test and the right (respectively; r=0.51, r=0.47, p<0.001) and left-hand grip strength (respectively; r=0.52, r=0.51, p<0.001). A weak, negative correlation was found between the left-right trunk lateral endurance test and right lower extremity reaction time (respectively; r=-0.38, p=0.005; r=-0.39, p=0.004). There was a weak, negative correlation between left- and right-hand grip strength and right lower extremity reaction time (respectively; r=-0.32, p=0.02; r=-0.37, p=0.006). Additionally, in participants with the right dominant leg, a moderate, negative correlation was found between the right lower extremity reaction time and right-hand grip strength (r=-0.40, p=0.01) and a weak, negative correlation with left and right trunk lateral endurance test (respectively; r=-0.35, p=0.03; r=-0.33, p=0.04). Conclusion: The findings of this study, which demonstrate that there was a relationship between core endurance, hand grip strength, and reaction time, can provide a valuable resource for professionals working in this field. The association between these parameters may be helpful in guiding exercise planning in subjects such as injury, rehabilitation process, and increasing performance in sports.