Abstract
BackgroundHand grip strength (HGS) is an important function of upper extremities for older adults. Several studies have shown the importance of measuring HGS in different settings. Current established normative values of HGS are applicable for Western countries. However, there is limited information of normative values of HGS after considering demographics in Saudi population. Therefore, this study aimed to establish normative values of HGS stratified by age and gender, and to determine the association of anthropometric measurements with the HGS in Saudi population.MethodsA cross-sectional study included a total of 1048 participants (mean age 73 ± 5 years). Grip strength was calculated by the average peak force of three trials for the dominant hand using a dynamometer. Sociodemographic data on age, gender, marital status, educational levels were collected. Anthropometric measurements including height, body mass index, arm circumference, and upper arm length were obtained. The sample was categorized into three age groups: 65–69 years, 70–74 years, and 75–80 years. Linear regression analysis was used to assess the association between the sociodemographic and anthropometric data and HGS.ResultsThe mean values of HGS (kg) for men for each age group were 36.9 ± 8.3 for the younger group, 35.7 ± 7.4 for the 70–74 years group and 30.5 ± 7.1 for the older group. The mean values of HGS for women for each group were 23.2 ± 4.7 for the younger group, 21.1 ± 4.6 for the 70–74 years group and 18.8 ± 4.9 for the older group. The HGS was negatively associated with the age for men (B = -.40, 95% confidence interval (CI) [−.52, −.29], p < 0.001) and women (B = -.30, 95% CI [− 0.38, − 0.22], p < 0.001), and positively associated with the arm length in men (B = .87, 95% CI [.60, 1.15], p < 0.001). The HGS was positively associated with the educational level in men (B = .66, 95% CI [.09,1.21], p = .02), but negatively associated in women (B = -.42, 95% CI [− 0.75, − 0.08], p = .01).ConclusionThis study is the first that established normative values of HGS for older adults in Saudi Arabia. Future research may benefit from the current normative value of HGS in Saudi population for geriatric rehabilitation programs.
Highlights
Hand grip strength (HGS) is an important function of upper extremities for older adults
The primary purpose of the present study was to establish normative values stratified by age and gender, and to determine the association of demographics and anthropometric measurements such as weight, height, and body mass index (BMI), arm circumference, and upper arm length with the HGS in Saudi population
This study found that age was negatively associated with grip strength, and educational level was positively associated with grip strength in men but negatively in women
Summary
Hand grip strength (HGS) is an important function of upper extremities for older adults. Several studies have shown the importance of measuring HGS in different settings. There is limited information of normative values of HGS after considering demographics in Saudi population. This study aimed to establish normative values of HGS stratified by age and gender, and to determine the association of anthropometric measurements with the HGS in Saudi population. Measuring hand grip strength (HGS) is important to understand upper limb function and work capacity. Various methods have emerged to objectively evaluate the factors related to individuals’ ability to use their hands effectively in daily and work activities. HGS is a feasible tool to evaluate prognosis of different conditions in clinical settings. The simplicity, portability, and low cost make HGS a useful tool for clinical and epidemiological research to avoid several complications related to health
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