Handgrip strength and semen quality
By Andrew Gallup, Gordon Gallup
Handgrip strength (HGS) is a significant predictor of health and vitality in both men and women, with higher HGS being associated with lower rates of disability, morbidity, mortality, and even dementia (see). For men, HGS is also correlated with variables related to social dominance and sexual behavior (see), as well as sex-specific body morphology and facial attractiveness (see). Given these combined connections with health and intrasexual competition, HGS appears to be an indicator of overall genetic quality in males. Here, we hypothesize that HGS should also predict semen quality. In support of this hypothesis, it has been shown that semen quality is positively correlated with longevity (see) and facial attractiveness (see). Due to the fact that HGS is an easily obtainable and non-invasive behavioral measure, we suggest that it could be used as a preliminary method to screen men for semen quality at fertility clinics and sperm banks.
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