Fuerza de prensión manual y rendimiento en salto como predictores de salud mental en estudiantes deportistas

Introduction: University athletes combine academic and physical demands that influence their mental health. Objective: To analyze, by sex, muscular strength and the levels of depression, anxiety, stress, and self-esteem among Chilean university athletes. Methodology: A cross-sectional study was conducted including 52 university athletes (32 men and 20 women). Muscular strength was assessed through handgrip strength tests and vertical jump tests (Squat Jump, Countermovement Jump, and Abalakov Jump). Depression and anxiety levels were measured using the DASS-21 questionnaire, and self-esteem was assessed using the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale. Results: Men showed higher levels of strength. In terms of mental health, women reported significantly higher levels of anxiety (η²p = 0.097, p = 0.025) and stress (η²p = 0.076, p = 0.047). No significant sex differences were observed in depression or self-esteem scores. Correlation analyses revealed a weak negative relationship between handgrip strength and anxiety (r = -0.36, p = 0.004), and between relative strength and stress (r = -0.28, p = 0.046). Linear regression analyses did not show significant associations between strength and mental health variables, although some non-conclusive trends were noted. Discussion: The relationship between muscular strength and mental health appears to vary depending on the population. Among inactive individuals, strength is associated with improved emotional regulation, whereas among athletes, this association is weaker. Conclusions: Women exhibited higher levels of anxiety and stress. The relationship between muscular strength and mental health appears to be limited in competitive university athletes.