Comparison of Body Composition, Handgrip Strength, Functional Capacity, and Physical Activity in Elderly Koreans and Korean Immigrants

Abstract

Immigration to a foreign country has a significant impact on a person's health status and health management behavior. The purpose of this pilot study was to examine body composition (body mass index and muscle area of the mid-upper arm and mid-calf), handgrip strength, functional capacity, and physical activity in elderly Koreans and Korean immigrants. In this cross-sectional study, a convenience sample of 87 elderly Korean immigrants and 294 elderly Koreans were recruited from senior centers and senior apartments in the United States and Korea. Compared with elderly Koreans, elderly Korean immigrants had higher mid-calf muscle area (p = 0.06), handgrip strength (p = 0.01), and functional capacity (p = 0.01) and less physical activity (p < 0.01). Older men were more physically active and had more muscle areas, greater handgrip strength, and better functional capacity than older women, whereas older women had higher BMI scores than older men. This study provides motives for the development of health promotion intervention studies (e.g., culturally relevant exercise programs incorporating strength training). Future studies could identify culturally relevant strategies to promote physical activity in elderly Korean immigrants and especially elderly Korean women in both groups.