Muscle mass indicators as fat-free mass and lean soft tissue mass are associated with handgrip strength in HIV-diagnosed children and adolescents

Abstract

ObjectiveTo verify the association between fat free mass (FFM) and lean soft tissue mass (LSTM) with handgrip strength (HGS) in HIV children and adolescents, according to sex. Method: This cross-sectional study included 65 HIV children and adolescents, aged from 8–15 years (30 boys and 35 girls). FFM and LSTM were measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). HGS was measured with hydraulic dynamometer. Bone age was assessed by radiography of the wrist of the left carpus and moderate to vigorous physical activity was obtained through the use of accelerometers. The use of antiretroviral drugs (ART) was obtained from the medical records of each participant. Results: For boys, the FFM model explained 86% the HGS variability (p < 0.001). For girls, the FFM model explained 90% the HGS variability (p < 0.001). LSTM explained 88% the HGS variability for both sexes. Conclusion: FFM and LSTM were directly associated with HGS. However, models with bone age, physical activity level and type of ART improved the explanatory power of LLM and LSTM in HGS.