Relationship Between Handgrip Strength and Laboratory Values in Adolescents With Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease

Abstract

Introduction: The worldwide prevalence of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in adolescents is increasing. Measuring handgrip strength is a simple and non-invasive method for assessing sarcopenia in adolescents. However, the association between handgrip strength and laboratory values has not yet been evaluated in a clinical setting. This study proposes an association between handgrip strength and laboratory values of adolescents with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. Methodology: Data were obtained from 100 adolescents (76 males; 24 females; age, 10–18 years) who had been diagnosed with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. Anthropometric values and handgrip strength were measured, and blood test parameters were evaluated. The association between HGS and each laboratory value was evaluated. Results: The handgrip strength of males and females was different between the low and high alkaline phosphatase level (275 U/L) groups. Regarding the handgrip-to-body weight ratio, there was a difference between the low and high groups based on alanine aminotransferase level < 24.1 U/L in males. Conclusion: Handgrip strength is easy to measure in schools and clinics. This is the first study to determine the usefulness of handgrip strength in Korean adolescents with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. As more data are gathered, handgrip strength may be used to screen and manage adolescents with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.