Physical Strength Is Not Associated With Facial Sexual Dimorphism and Asymmetry in Either Czechs or Cameroonians.

OBJECTIVES

Handgrip strength is a widely used indicator of muscle strength and general health, but its association with facial morphology remains unclear. This study examined whether handgrip strength or its asymmetry is related to facial sexual shape dimorphism, perceived masculinity/femininity, and facial asymmetry in two culturally and genetically distinct populations: Cameroonian and Czech adults.

METHODS

Geometric morphometric methods were applied to full-face portraits of 226 individuals (balanced by sex, aged 19-59), using 72 facial landmarks and semi-landmarks. Pearson correlations and a series of ANOVA analyses were then used to assess possible associations between facial traits and both absolute and asymmetric grip strength.

RESULTS

Across all models and subgroups, associations between handgrip strength and facial morphology were weak and nonsignificant. None of the facial characteristics reliably predicted either handgrip strength or its asymmetry in either men or women.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings suggest that facial morphology on its own does not reliably reflect muscular strength. Further research should incorporate longitudinal and cross-cultural designs.