Abstract
The objective of the study was to examine the association between handgrip strength (HGS), knee flexion and extension strength, and static and dynamic balance in older women. One hundred and ten women with a mean age of 67.4±5.9 years were assessed for dynamic postural balance using the Time Up & Go Test (TUG) with and without cognitive tasks. Semi-static balance was assessed by means of a force platform; knee flexor and extensor muscle strength was calculated using an isokinetic dynamometer; and HGS using a hand held dynamometer. Weaker HGS was significantly correlated with worse performance in dynamic postural balance, as well as performance with TUG with and without cognitive tasks; however, there was no correlation between HGS and static balance. There was a moderate positive correlation between knee flexion/extension strength and HGS. This suggests that HGS could be used as a proxy indicator of overall strength capacity for clinical screening among older women.
Highlights
Handgrip strength (HGS) has been widely used as an important indicator of whole body strength
Studies indicate an association between decreased HGS with the increasing age, and a correlation between the decrease in muscle mass and muscle strength of the lower limbs [5]
The isokinetic variables used were maximum peak torque corrected for body weight (PTQ/ BW), and total work (TW)
Summary
Handgrip strength (HGS) has been widely used as an important indicator of whole body strength. Weak HGS is considered a predictor of cardiometabolic diseases, disability, morbidity and early mortality [1,2,3]. A reduction in muscle strength in frail older adults may impair performance in manual tasks, and is associated with other important functional limitations in gait and balance, with significant consequences, such as increased risk for falls and loss of functional independence [4]. Studies indicate an association between decreased HGS with the increasing age, and a correlation between the decrease in muscle mass and muscle strength of the lower limbs [5]. Similar to the decreases in HGS with age, quadriceps weakness is associated with several negative health outcomes in older adults, including functional impairments [6], increased hospital admissions [7] and early mortality [8].
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