Effects of circadian rhythms and core body temperature on handgrip strength among college level women softball players

Abstract

The primary purpose of this study was to find the influence of circadian rhythm type and body temperature on grip strength right hand (R), grip strength left hand (L) and average grip strength (AVG). In order to achieve the above-mentioned objectives, sixteen (16) female baseball team members undergoing B.Tech graduation course at College of Engineering, Thiruvanathapuram and Kerala, India were tested. The instruments used include Morningness-Eveningness in human circadian rhythms questionnaire (Horne JA and Ostberg 1976), digital thermometer and electronic hand dynamometer. After determining the circadian type dependent variables body temperature, grip strength right (R) and grip strength left (L) were recorded. ANOVA results and post-hoc test on dependent variables grip strength (Right), grip strength (L) and grip strength (AVG) found no significant differences among the independent variable body temperature. The result further shows that dependent variable grip strength (Right) having significant differences between independent variables circadian rhythm types.