Predictors of Hand Grip Strength in Adults Without Sarcopenia: Data From the NHANES, 2013–2014

Abstract

BackgroundGrip strength measurement is used to estimate muscle strength and predict health status; yet, an accurate examination of grip strength predictors from body composition variable is lacking. ObjectivesThis study aimed to examine the association of grip strength with lumbar bone mineral density (BMD) and total lean mass in adults without sarcopenia. MethodsAdults without sarcopenia (N = 3100) were included from the NHANES, 2013–2014, in this cross-sectional study. Body mass (kg), body height (cm), body mass index (kg/m2), grip strength (kg), total percent fat (%), lumbar BMD (g/cm2), and total lean mass excluding bone mineral content (BMC, kg) were obtained and tested as predictors of grip strength. ResultsThe regression analysis yielded a significant model [F(2,343732) = 71,284.2; R2 = 0.713; P < 0.001], with all predictors explaining ∼71.3% of the variance in grip strength. Age [β: −0.043; 95% confidence interval (CI): −0.040, −0.036], sex (β: −0.296; 95% CI: −6.431, −6.270), total percent fat (β: −0.245; 95% CI: −0.315, −0.308), lumbar BMD (β: 0.037; 95% CI: 2.529, 2.806), and total lean mass (β: 0.482; 95% CI: 0.001, 0.001) were all significant predictors of grip strength. ConclusionsThe predictive value of the BMD and total lean mass can serve as a useful measure in predicting grip strength and overall health status in adults without sarcopenia.