Handgrip and Pinch Grip Strength as Functional Indicators of Pediatric Malnutrition and Early Response to Nutritional Therapy: A Preliminary Single-Center Study

: Handgrip strength appears to reflect nutritional status in children, and its association with malnutrition persists after adjustment for growth-related factors. These findings support its potential role as a complementary functional marker. However, longitudinal changes in standardized scores indicate that recovery is variable, and interpretation should consider the influence of normal growth and development. Further large-scale, age-standardized studies are needed to better define their role in clinical practice.