Body composition and handgrip strength as predictors of maximal strength and maximum push-up and pull-up performance in resistance-trained young men
Enes Beltekin, Yunus BERK, Ökkeş Dereli, Mustafa Sencer Ulema, Mehmet Şerif ÖKMEN · Journal of Coaching and Sports Science · 2026
Background: Muscular strength performance is influenced by multiple physiological factors, including body composition and isometric strength. However, the extent to which these variables predict exercise-specific maximal strength and body weight-based performance in resistance-trained individuals remains unclear.
Aims: This study aimed to investigate the relationships between body composition and handgrip strength and maximal strength and body weight-based performance, and to determine the predictive value of these variables in young men who regularly perform resistance training.
Methods: This cross-sectional correlational study included 71 resistance-trained men aged 19–25 years. Body fat percentage and muscle mass were assessed using bioelectrical impedance analysis, while isometric strength was evaluated using the dominant handgrip test. Performance outcomes included maximum push-ups, maximum pull-ups, bench press one-repetition maximum (1RM), lat pulldown 1RM, and deadlift 1RM. Relationships among variables were analyzed using Spearman correlation, and predictive effects were examined through multiple linear regression analysis.
Results: Handgrip strength was strongly and positively correlated with bench press, lat pulldown, and deadlift 1RM. Bench press 1RM was strongly associated with maximum push-ups, while lat pulldown 1RM was strongly associated with maximum pull-ups. Regression models explained 51.4% of the variance in maximum push-up performance, 70.2% in bench press 1RM, 79.6% in deadlift 1RM, and 57.5% in lat pulldown 1RM. Handgrip strength was a significant statistical predictor of maximum push-up, bench press, and lat pulldown 1RM performance. Higher muscle mass and lower body fat percentage were significantly associated with higher deadlift 1RM within the regression model, whereas handgrip strength was not an independent predictor of deadlift performance. The maximum pull-up regression model was not statistically significant. Individual regression coefficients, particularly those in the lat pulldown model, should be interpreted cautiously because of substantial shared variance among the predictors and possible suppression effects.
Conclusion: Strength performance in resistance-trained young men is task-specific and influenced by both body composition and isometric strength. Handgrip strength should be considered a practical complementary indicator rather than a substitute for exercise-specific maximal strength assessments.