CORRELATION OF CARRYING ANGLE OF ELBOW WITH HAND DOMINANCE, BODY MASS INDEX, LENGTH OF FOREARM AND GRIP STRENGTH IN FEMALE BADMINTON PLAYERS

Abstract

Background: The carrying angle of the elbow, formed by the intersection of the arm and forearm in full extension and supination, plays an essential role in upper limb biomechanics. It facilitates arm swing clearance during gait and contributes to load-bearing efficiency. This anatomical parameter, along with wrist joint mobility, may have functional relevance to grip strength and body mass index (BMI), particularly in athletic populations such as badminton players.

Objective: To evaluate the relationship between carrying angle and wrist angles with BMI and grip strength among female badminton players.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted involving 140 female badminton players aged 15 to 30 years. Participants were recruited from local institutions using convenience sampling. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire, and anthropometric measurements were taken. Carrying angle and wrist angles (flexion, extension, radial and ulnar deviation) were assessed using a goniometer. Grip strength was measured using a calibrated dynamometer. BMI was calculated from height and weight. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 20, with Pearson correlation and ANOVA applied to determine associations.

Results: Among participants, 46.4% were aged 15–20 years, and 53.6% were aged 21–25 years. The majority (82.1%) had a carrying angle between 10–15°, and 91.4% exhibited wrist flexion between 61–80°. Grip strength ranged from 20–25 kg in 60.7%, while 63.6% had a BMI between 15–20. Among those with carrying angles of 10–15°, 75 participants had BMI of 15–20, and 35 had BMI <15. No statistically significant correlation was found between carrying angle and grip strength (p=0.350), or BMI (p=0.672).

Conclusion: The findings suggest that most female badminton players exhibit a normal carrying angle and healthy BMI. While no significant correlation was observed, consistent biomechanical patterns indicate the influence of physical activity on musculoskeletal alignment and body composition.