Abstract
<title>Abstract</title> <p> Introduction Handgrip strength (HGS) is an important indicator of muscular strength in children and adolescents. A Body Shape Index (ABSI) reflects central adiposity-related body shape, but its association with HGS in pediatric populations remains unclear. Methods This cross-sectional study included 6,129 Chinese children and adolescents aged 7–17 years from a national nutrition and health survey. HGS was measured using an electronic dynamometer. ABSI was calculated from waist circumference, height, and BMI and standardized as ABSI_Z. Multivariable linear regression, interaction, and stratified analyses were performed. Results ABSI was negatively correlated with HGS ( <italic>r</italic> = -0.255, <italic>P</italic> < 0.001), whereas BMI was positively correlated with HGS ( <italic>r</italic> = 0.524, <italic>P</italic> < 0.001). After adjustment for age, sex, height, and BMI, higher ABSI_Z was independently associated with lower HGS (coefficient: -0.47; 95% CI: -0.60, -0.33; <italic>P</italic> < 0.001). The inverse association was stronger in boys and older age groups (both <italic>P</italic> for interaction < 0.001). Conclusions Among Chinese children and adolescents, higher ABSI_Z was independently associated with lower HGS after adjustment for BMI and other covariates. These findings suggest that ABSI_Z may capture central adiposity-related body shape characteristics that are adversely associated with handgrip strength during growth and development. </p>