Introduction: Handgrip muscle strength is the maximum force developed during maximal voluntary contraction under a given set of conditions. It can be quantified by measuring the amount of static force that a person’s hand can squeeze around a dynamometer. It is widely accepted that hand grip strength provides an objective index of functional integrity of the upper extremity. The present study aimed to compare maximal hand grip strength on the basis of gender. Materials and Methods: Present study was conducted on 120 healthy medical students in 18–24 years age group (60 male and 60 female) of DVVPF’S Medical College Maharashtra. The grip strength of dominant hand was measured twice at an interval of 1 minute, and higher reading recorded was considered to be the maximum hand grip strength for each student. Results: Data was analyzed by paired t test using SPSS. We noted that handgrip strength in male students was statistically significant (p < 0.001) as compared to female students. Conclusion: Hand grip muscle strength is more in male students as compared to female students in 18–24 years age group.

Keywords: Dynamometer; Female; Hand grip muscle strength; Male.