Differences In Handgrip Strength Research Articles

Age and Handgrip Strength Induce Differences in Micro- and Macro-Vascular Responses

Purpose: Handgrip (HG) strength is a potent predictor of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and all-cause mortality. Advances in technology have provided novel assessments of peripheral microvascular and macrovascular health and function. These advances include measurements of skeletal muscle tissue oxygenation (StO2, %) with near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) during vascular occlusion tests (VOT) as well as carotid-femoral pulse-wave velocity (cfPWV), which is the current gold-standard to measure aortic stiffness. Although NIRS-VOT and cfPWV have been shown to change across the lifespan, it is unknown if these variables are sensitive to group differences as defined by HG strength. Therefore, our purpose was to examine mean differences in NIRS-VOT parameters and cfPWV between groups of low and high HG strength. We hypothesized that individuals with lower HG strength would exhibit lower vascular function. Methods: 67 adults were separated into age groups: young (19 – 40 yr), midlife (41 – 64 yr), and older (≥65 yr). Groups were divided into low and high strength at the median for HG strength, and quasi-balanced based on biological sex. This resulted in six participant groups (e.g., midlife low strength). The VOT included 3 min of rest, 5 min of ischemia, and 3 min of reperfusion to determine indices of reactive hyperemia. Indices included the initial (i.e., first 10 s) rate of re-saturation (upslope) and the maximal StO2 (StO2max) percent following ischemia. Aortic stiffness was defined as cfPWV using the time difference between the appearance of the carotid and femoral pulses. Separate 2×3 between factor (HG by Age Group) ANOVAs were conducted for each outcome. A p≤0.05 was considered significant, and data were presented as mean ± SD. Results: For upslope, there was a significant interaction (p=0.042, ηp2=0.078), and follow-up analyses revealed for young and midlife adults the high HG group exhibited greater upslopes than the low strength group (young: 2.24±0.9 vs. 1.64±0.7 and midlife: 2.21±0.9 vs. 1.59±0.7%∙s−1). There was no significant interaction (p=0.360) for StO2max, but there was a significant main effect (p<0.001) of Age such that it progressively decreased across the lifespan (83.9 ± 2.0 > 80.7 ± 2.3 > 77.3 ± 2.8%). Similarly, cfPWV exhibited a significant main effect (p<0.001; ηp2 =0.429) of Age indicating aortic stiffness worsened with age, independent of HG strength. Conclusions: These results indicated that upslope was sensitive to group differences in HG strength, but only in the young and midlife age groups. For StO2max and cfPWV, age differences appeared to elicit a stronger effect than HG strength. The current findings suggested that HG strength may be most reflective of a specific portion of the vascular tree, while the initial rate of re-saturation and StO2max may be influenced by different mechanisms associated with reactive hyperemia. Notably, the participants in this study were relatively healthy based on being free of any chronic disease. Future work is necessary to determine the predictive power of NIRS-VOT parameters for future onset of CVD. We would like to thank the American Physiology Society for support and the University of South Alabama for allowing us to use its facilities. We would also like to thank all of the participants who agreed to adhere to the protocol and procedures of this study. This is the full abstract presented at the American Physiology Summit 2024 meeting and is only available in HTML format. There are no additional versions or additional content available for this abstract. Physiology was not involved in the peer review process.

The change in handgrip strength, after physical exercise, is moderated by digit ratio (2D:4D): A study among the young adults in Poland.

The digit ratio (2D:4D), the ratio of the lengths of second (2D) to the fourth (4D) fingers, is a proxy indicator of prenatal androgen exposure. On average, males display lower 2D:4D than females. Previous studies have shown that lower 2D:4D ratios were associated with better sports and physical abilities. To assess whether a challenge condition, imposed by intense exercise, could increase handgrip strength (HGS) associated with 2D:4D. This cross-sectional experimental study included 90 healthy young Polish adults (40 males, 50 females). They underwent intense physical exercise, before (7 days) and after which they were measured for HGS and 2D:4D. Height and weight were also measured. Analyses of Covariance were employed to delineate associations. 2D:4D had significant predictive effects on the differences in HGS (DHGS) measured in two occasions, without and after, physical exercises. The lower was the 2D:4D, the higher the DHGS, particularly, for the left hand. The results reconfirmed that the link between prenatal testosterone exposure (indicated by 2D:4D) and physical strength depends on the context, such as a challenged condition.

Tracking handgrip strength in Kendo athletes from university to middle and older adulthood.

This study aimed to compare the current handgrip strength (HGS) of Kendo athletes with their HGS when they were in university (up to 50 years). Eighty male graduates who were Kendo club members during their university days performed anthropometric and HGS measurements, and these HGS were compared with those measured during their university days (mean age of 19.5 years old). There was no evidence of a statistical difference in HGS between the current measurement and the measurement taken during university [-0.64 (-1.9, 0.67) kg, p = .336]. There was, however, evidence that the difference in HGS depended upon the current age of the individual (t = -6.43, p < .001). When probing the interaction, there were statistical differences between the ages of 24.6 and 38.2 years and between the ages of 47.4 and 69.9 years. Strength increased across time in the younger participants and decreased for those who were older. Between the ages of 38.9 and 46.1 years, there was no evidence of a statistical difference indicating a maintenance of strength. The HGS of Kendo club graduates, which they acquired during their formative years, continued to increase even after they graduated from university and entered their 30s. However, their HGS decreased from age 50, even though they practiced Kendo.

Reversing malnutrition and low muscle strength with targeted enteral feeding in patients awaiting liver transplant: A randomized controlled trial.

Most patients with decompensated cirrhosis fail to meet their nutrition targets. The impact of nasogastric feeding (NGF) on malnutrition in cirrhosis remains unknown. This study aims to assess the impact of pre-transplant NGF on pre- and post-liver transplant outcomes. This single-centre, prospective randomized controlled trial of 55 patients with severe malnutrition and low handgrip strength (HGS) compared standard high-energy high-protein diet to diet plus supplemental nocturnal NGF whilst awaiting transplant. The primary outcome was change in HGS. Median age was 58.5 years (IQR 51.1-64), median MELD 24 (20-28.5), and 32 (58%) were male. Median duration of NGF was 63.0 days (34.5-127), following which time the median between group difference in HGS was 3.6kg (95% CI: 1.7-5.2, p<0.001); an increase of 20% from baseline. Mid upper-arm circumference, triceps skinfold and immune function all increased significantly with NGF. Muscle and nutritional parameters continued to improve with increasing duration of feeding. NGF significantly increased daily energy intake between groups by 1285kcal (95% CI: 860-1677) and protein intake by 51g (95% CI: 32-71) (both p<0.001). All NGF patients met >100% of their measured nutritional requirements. Post-transplant clinical outcomes were similar between groups. Targeted enteral feeding before LT improves HGS, anthropometry and immune function in severely malnourished cirrhotic patients. These findings provide a strong rationale for early consideration of NGF to reverse malnutrition and improve muscle strength. Appropriately powered studies should explore whether NGF can also impact clinically relevant outcomes including pre- and post-transplant mortality.

Association between Handgrip strength weakness and asymmetry with incident hip fracture among older Chinese adults

BackgroundTo evaluate the association between handgrip strength (HGS) weakness and asymmetry with incident hip fracture among older Chinese adults. MethodsData was obtained from the 2011 and 2015 waves of the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS). HGS weakness was defined as maximal HGS < 28 kg in men and < 18 kg in women. HGS asymmetry was defined as the HGS ratio < 0.9 or > 1.1. Participants were categorized into normal HGS, weakness only, asymmetry only, and both weakness and asymmetry. Given the sex differences in HGS, the association between HGS weakness and asymmetry was analyzed by sex using the multivariable logistic regression models. ResultsA total of 4789 participants aged ≥ 60 years old without hip fracture at baseline were included in the final analysis. Over the four-year follow-up, there were 152 (3.17%) participants having incident hip fractures, of which 69 (2.90%) were men and 83 (3.45%) were women. Compared to the normal group, men with both weakness and asymmetry had a significantly higher risk of incident hip fracture in the fully adjusted model (adjusted odds ratio (OR): 2.31, 95% confidence interval (CI):1.17-4.52). There was no significant association between HGS asymmetry and weakness with hip fracture in women. ConclusionsOur findings indicated that among the Chinese population, men with both HGS weakness and asymmetry were associated with increased odds of hip fracture, while no significant association was observed in women.

Efficacy of intradialytic neuromuscular electrical stimulation and oral nutritional supplementation in hemodialysis patients: a multicenter, randomized controlled trial.

Sarcopenia is common in hemodialysis patients. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of simultaneous nutritional support and intradialytic neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) in hemodialysis patients. We performed a 12-week, multicenter, randomized controlled trial. The participants were randomly assigned to the control group, the protein group (25 g of protein at every dialysis session), the NMES group (intradialytic NMES to quadriceps femoris muscles), and the NMES + P group (NMES with protein supplementation). The primary outcome was the difference in hand grip strength (HGS) and leg muscle strength (LMS) among groups. Secondary outcomes included body composition, physical performance (the 10-m walk test and the timed up and go test [TUG]), and questionnaires about quality of life (QoL), physical activity, and depression. In addition, subgroup analysis was performed by dividing NMES and NMES + P groups into high- and low-intensity NMES groups. Fifty-nine patients completed all the study outcomes. There was no difference in muscle strength (HGS and LMS) and muscle mass among groups. Gait speed improved in NMES and NMES + P groups. Subscale scores for QoL (kidney disease effect, role limitations due to physical or emotional problems, and overall health ratings) improved in the NMES + P group. In subgroup analysis, LMS and TUG improved only in the high-intensity NMES group. In this study, NMES and-/or- protein supplementation did not make a significant difference in HGS and LMS. However, NMES or NMES + P improved functional capacity and QoL. Furthermore, higher NMES was superior in improving LMS and functional capacity.

Effects of a low-protein nutritional formula with dietary counseling in older adults with chronic kidney disease stages 3–5: a randomized controlled trial

BackgroundAlthough combining a low-protein diet (LPD) with oral nutritional supplements increases treatment adherence and nutritional status in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD), the effect of this combination approach in older adults remains unclear. This study examined the impact of a 6% low-protein formula (6% LPF) with diet counseling in older adults with stage 3–5 CKD.MethodsIn this three-month randomized controlled study, 66 patients (eGFR < 60 mL/min/1.73 m2, non-dialysis, over 65 years of age) were randomly assigned to an intervention group (LPD plus a 6% LPF) or control group (LPD alone). The 6% LPF comprised 400 kcal, 6 g of protein, eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), and various micronutrients. All data were collected at baseline and after three months, including physical performance based on hand grip strength (HGS) and gait speed, nutritional status using Mini Nutritional Assessment-Short Form (MNA-SF) scores, body composition through bioelectrical impedance analysis, and dietary intake from 24-h dietary records.ResultsThis study incorporated 47 participants (median age, 73; median eGFR, 36 ml/min/1.73 m2; intervention group: 24; control group: 23). The intervention group exhibited significant differences in HGS and gait speed, and micronutrient analysis revealed significantly higher monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA), EPA, DHA, calcium, iron, zinc, copper, thiamine, riboflavin, niacin, B6, B12, and folic acid intake than the control group. MNA-SF scores, macronutrient intake, and body composition did not differ significantly between the two groups.ConclusionsCompared to LPD counseling alone, an LPD prescription with 6% LPF in older adults with CKD stages 3–5 helped relieve physical deterioration and increased micronutrient intake after three months.Trial registrationClinicalTrials.gov NCT05318014 (retrospectively registered on 08/04/2022).

Water Intake and Handgrip Strength in US Adults: A Cross-Sectional Study Based on NHANES 2011-2014 Data.

This study aimed to examine the relationship between daily total intake of water (DTIW) and handgrip strength (HGS) among US adults and to explore the impact of water intake on muscle function and health, providing a reference for public health policies and health education. Using the data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2011-2014, a cross-sectional survey design was adopted to analyze 5427 adults (48.37% female and 51.63% male) aged 20 years and above. DTIW was assessed using two non-consecutive 24 h dietary recall interviews, and the HGS level was measured using a Takei Dynamometer. Weighted generalized linear regression models and restricted cubic spline plots were used to analyze the linear and nonlinear associations between DTIW and HGS level and to conduct a gender subgroup analysis and an interaction effect test. The results showed that there were significant differences in HGS and other characteristics among different quartile groups of DTIW (p < 0.05). There was a significant nonlinear trend (exhibiting an inverted U-curve) between DTIW and HGS (p for nonlinear = 0.0044), with a cut-off point of 2663 g/day. Gender subgroup analysis showed that the nonlinear trend (exhibiting an inverted U-curve) was significant only in males (p for nonlinear = 0.0016), with a cut-off point of 2595 g/day. None of the stratified variables had an interaction effect on the association between DTIW and HGS (p for interaction > 0.05). In conclusion, this study found a nonlinear association between DTIW and HGS levels, as well as a gender difference. This finding provides new clues and directions for exploring the mechanism of the impact of DTIW on muscle function and health and also provides new evidence and suggestions for adults to adjust their water intake reasonably.

Clinical Impact of Pretransplantation Physical Function on Transplantation after Allogeneic Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation in Older Adults

Clinical research regarding the impact of pretransplantation physical function on transplantation outcomes in older adults remains limited. We retrospectively reviewed the charts of 150 consecutive patients age >55 years who underwent their first allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) at our center between 2010 and 2021. We evaluated the clinical impact of pretransplantation physical function, including hand grip strength (HGS), knee extension strength (KES), and distance covered in a 6-minute walk test (6MWT), along with other clinical factors, on transplantation outcomes such as overall survival (OS), nonrelapse mortality (NRM), and cumulative incidence of disease relapse (CIR). There was no difference in OS, NRM, or CIR among the 3 age groups studied (56 to 60 years, 61 to 65 years, and 66 to 70 years). With regard to physical function tests, we divided the study patients into 2 groups based on the median HGS, KES, and 6MWT values: higher physical function and lower physical function groups. Because there were significant differences in HGS and KES between male and female patients, sex-specific threshold values were used. In a univariate analysis, OS tended to be better in the higher physical function group compared with the lower physical function group (4-year OS, 42.0% versus 32.0% in HGS, P=.14; 44.8% versus 37.8% in KES, P=.17; 46.7% versus 30.5% in 6MWT, P=.099). NRM was significantly lower in the higher physical function group (4-year NRM, 25.5% versus 39.9% in HGS, P=.045; 17.7% versus 38.0% in KES, P=.005; 22.5% versus 43.4% in 6MWT, P=.033). There was no significant difference in CIR between the higher and lower physical function groups (4-year CIR, 34.6% versus 28.7% in HGS, P=.38; 38.5% versus 25.8% in KES, P=.20; 33.0% versus 27.0% in 6MWT, P=.42). In multivariate analysis, the higher KES group (hazard ratio [HR], .54; 95% confidence interval [CI], .32 to .90) was significantly associated with better OS, as were female sex (HR, .48; 95% CI, .26 to .89) and low/intermediate Disease Risk Index (HR, 3.59; 95% CI, 2.04 to 6.31). Higher KES (HR, .37; 95% CI, .17 to .83) and female sex (HR .36; 95% CI, .13 to .998) were significantly associated with a reduced risk of NRM. Higher HGS and higher 6MWT tended to be associated with a reduced risk of NRM, but this trend was not statistically significant. Pretransplantation physical function, particularly the strength of the lower extremities, but not chronological age, is associated with NRM and OS after allogeneic HCT in adults age >55 years.

Association of the use of psychotropic drugs with hospitalization, cardiovascular events, and mortality in patients with type 2 diabetes: a propensity score-matched cohort study.

Use of psychotropic drugs (PD) may be associated with impairment of physical function. However, few studies have assessed the impact of PD on health outcomes in patients with type 2 diabetes. This study aimed to examine the associations between psychotropic drug use and handgrip strength (HGS) and between the use of PD and hospitalization in patients with type 2 diabetes. From April 2013 to December 2015, we conducted a retrospective cohort study in patients with type 2 diabetes at the National Center for Global Health and Medicine Kohnodai Hospital. Patients aged 20 years and over who can measure HGS were included. All participants received nutritional guidance regarding diet therapy for type 2 diabetes at baseline. Nonpsychotropic drug users were matched one-to-one with the PD users using propensity score matching method with respect to their baseline covariates. The differences in HGS and the number of patients who had hospitalizations during the study period were examined. By Cox proportional hazard regression analysis, the association between the use of PD and repeated hospitalizations was estimated. A total of 1,282 patients were enrolled and followed up for 2.36 ± 0.73 years. In the propensity score matching cohort, HGS was significantly lower (p = 0.006) in PD users than non-PD users. PD users had more hospitalizations than non-PD users. Cox proportional hazard regression analysis confirmed the association of repeated hospitalizations with the use of PD (hazard ratio = 2.138; 95% confidence interval, 1.144-3.995, p = 0.017)). In addition, HGS was significantly and inversely correlated with the number of hospitalizations (r = -0.143, p = 0.013). The use of PD could increase the risk of repeated hospitalizations. Skeletal muscle may play a role in reducing the risk of hospitalization in patients who are treated with PD.

Isokinetic strength assessment of trunk muscle and its relationship with spinal-pelvic parameters in patients with degenerative spinal deformity.

The incidence rate of degenerative spinal deformity (DSD) has gradually increased in the elderly. Currently, the relationship between the functional status of trunk muscle and the spinal-pelvic parameters of DSD patients remains unclear. This paper aims to explore the relationship between the two factors and provide new clues for exploring the mechanism of the occurrence and development of DSD. A total of 41 DSD patients treated in our hospital (DSD group) and 35 healthy volunteers (control group) were selected. Muscle strength was evaluated using an IsoMed-2000 isokinetic dynamometer, and the trunk flexor and extensor peak torque (PT) of subjects was measured at a low, medium, and high angular velocity of 30∘/s, 60∘/s, and 120∘/s, respectively. Hand grip strength (HGS) was assessed using an electronic grip dynamometer and Surgimap software was used to measure the spinal-pelvic parameters, including the sagittal vertical axis (SVA), thoracic kyphosis (TK), lumbar lordosis (LL), sacral slope (SS), pelvic tilt (PT), pelvic incidence rate (PI), and PI-LL, and the relationship between trunk muscle function and various parameters was analyzed. Under the three angular velocities, the flexor and extensor PT values in the DSD group were lower than those in the control group, and only the extensor PT showed a statistically significant difference (P< 0.05). There was no significant difference in HGS between the two groups (P> 0.05). In the DSD group, the extensor PT at 30∘/s was significantly negatively correlated with SVA (P< 0.05). At 60∘/s and 120∘/s, the extensor PT was significantly negatively correlated with SVA and PT (P< 0.05). Trunk extensor strength is significantly lower in DSD patients than in normal controls. The decline in trunk extensor strength in DSD patients is a type of local muscle dysfunction more closely related to the deformity, which is likely involved in the compensatory mechanism of DSD and may reflect the overall imbalance of the trunk.

Differences between handgrip strength and anthropometric measurements with respect to the index of biological maturation in schoolchildren

The aim of this study was to identify the differences in handgrip strength values and anthropometric measurements with respect to the index of biological maturation (IBM) in schoolchildren. A descriptive study was conducted with a total of 256 schoolchildren (78 boys and 178 girls) aged 10 to 14 years. Body weight, height and sitting height (trunk and leg length) were measured using the ISAK protocol; also, manual grip strength was evaluated with a digital dynamometer and a formula of Mirwald et al. (2002) was used to determine the peak growth velocity (PGV) through the IMB. Subsequently, the sample was categorized into 7 groups according to their BMI (-1.5, -1.0, -0.5, 0, 0.5, 0.5, 1.0 and 1.5 years). Significant differences were found in schoolchildren in the 0.5, 1.0- and 1.5-years group with respect to the -0.5, -1.0- and -1.5-years groups in body weight, height, trunk and leg length, and grip strength (p ≤ 0.05). We conclude that the higher the biological maturation index there is a tendency for the anthropometry and grip strength values in schoolchildren to be higher with respect to those with a lower IMB.

Handgrip Measurement Method Affects Asymmetry but Not Weakness Identification in Community-Dwelling Older Adults.

The Asian Working Group for Sarcopenia (AWGS) 2019 recommends different measurement protocols for handgrip strength (HGS). We aimed to explore (1) whether these protocols induce a significant difference in HGS; (2) whether these differences be clinically meaningful; and (3) whether these protocols affect the identification of HGS weakness or asymmetry. Cross-sectional study. A total of 356 community-dwelling older adults (mean age 67.9years; 146 women). Maximal HGS was measured according to protocols from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (Method A, standing with full elbow extended) and the American Society of Hand Therapists (Method B, sitting with elbow flexed at 90°). HGS was analyzed using the maximal value of 2 or 3 repetitions of the dominant hand or 4 or 6 repetitions of both hands. The difference in maximal HGS between Method A and Method B might have clinical meaning in approximately half of the participants. When measured using Method A, respective proportions of individuals with differences in HGS between the 6 repetitions group and the other repetition groups beyond the noninferiority threshold were 42%, 20%, and 25% in men and 39%, 21%, and 17% in women. Using Method B, the corresponding percentages were 25%, 18%, and 6% in men, and 27%, 20%, and 5% in women, respectively. Different protocols did not significantly affect the identification of HGS weakness, as different protocols reached diagnostic accuracies of 0.910 to 0.967 in men and 0.911 to 0.986 in women when using Method A (6 repetitions) as the reference standard. However, different protocols significantly affected the identification of HGS asymmetry, as different protocols had diagnostic accuracies of 0.667 to 0.886 in men and 0.658 to 0.863 in women. The different protocols recommended by the AWGS 2019 update significantly affect maximal HGS values and the identification of HGS asymmetry but not HGS weakness.

Relationship between age and handgrip strength: Proposal of reference values from infancy to senescence.

Measurement of hand grip strength (HGS) has been proposed as a key component of frailty and has also been suggested as a central biomarker of healthy aging and a powerful predictor of future morbidity and mortality. (a) To determine whether a nonlinear relationship model could improve the prediction of handgrip strength (HGS) compared to the linear model and (b) to propose percentiles to evaluate HGS according to age and sex for a regional population of Chile from infancy to senescence. A cross-sectional descriptive study was developed in a representative sample of the Maule region (Chile). The volunteers amounted to 5,376 participants (2,840 men and 2,536 women), with an age range from 6 to 80 years old. Weight, height, HGS (right and left hand) according to age and sex were evaluated. Percentiles were calculated using the LMS method [(L (Lambda; asymmetry), M (Mu; median), and S (Sigma; coefficient of variation)]. There were no differences in HGS from 6 to 11 years of age in both sexes; however, from 12 years of age onwards, males presented higher HGS values in both hands (p < 0.05). The linear regression between age with HGS showed values of R 2 = 0.07 in males and R 2 = 0.02 in females. While in the non-linear model (cubic), the values were: R 2 = 0.50 to 0.51 in men and R 2 = 0.26 in women. The percentiles constructed by age and sex were: P5, P15, P50, P85, and P95 by age range and sex. This study demonstrated that there is a nonlinear relationship between chronological age with HGS from infancy to senescence. Furthermore, the proposed percentiles can serve as a guide to assess and monitor upper extremity muscle strength levels at all stages of life.

The association of visceral adiposity with handgrip strength in community dwellers of the United Arab Emirates

Background: Handgrip strength (HGS) is a powerful tool to assess generalized body health; however, its association with visceral adipose tissues (VATs) in the community dwellers of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) is not known. The objectives of this study were to investigate the association between HGS and VATs in the UAE population of both genders, 18–65 years of age (n = 1146). Methods: This is a cross-sectional study conducted in various community centers of the UAE from June to October 2021. We used a handgrip dynamometer to measure HGS and a bioelectrical impedance scale to measure body composition, including VAT content. VAT was categorized into low (1–9), optimal (10–14), and high (15–30) levels. We used t-test and ANOVA analyses to measure differences in HGS and VAT across gender and age groups. Results: The peak HGS was found in the third and fourth decades of life, followed by an age-associated decline. We report that the highest HGS for dominant was found in people with the optimal VATs content irrespective of gender and age. Conversely, having low or high VATs was associated with lower HGS. However, there were no differences between the HGS of dominant versus nondominant hands in men and women. Conclusion: Altogether, we report an association of an optimal VAT content with peak HGS, so that having low or high VATs were associated with reduced HGS. Taken together, the measurements of VAT and HGS may be helpful in assessing generalized health in preclinical settings.

Sexual Function, Physical Activity, Mean Amplitudes and Maximal Voluntary Contraction of Pelvic Floor Muscles Are Related to Handgrip Strength: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Pelvic floor musculature assessment methods are generally invasive, subjective, and technologically expensive. Therefore, there is a need to identify other methods that can predict changes in the function of these muscles. This study aimed to verify whether the levels of strength and myoelectric activity of pelvic floor muscles (PFM) can be related to handgrip strength (HGS), to ensure faster and earlier identification of possible dysfunctions of this musculature. Furthermore, we verified whether these variables vary across different age groups. This was a cross-sectional observational study involving 44 healthy women. The women were divided into two groups: the young (18−35 years) and middle-aged (36−55 years) adult groups. Social, anthropometric, and clinical data were collected from the participants, and a functional assessment of their PFM was performed by bidigital palpation, electromyographic biofeedback (sEMG), and HGS (using a dynamometer). The levels of physical and sexual activity were measured using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) and Sexual Quotient−Female version (SQ-F) questionnaire. There were no differences in HGS, power/pressure, sEMG, SQ-F score, or IPAQ score between the two groups (p > 0.05). Moderate correlation (r = 0.601; p = 0.019) was observed during multivariate analysis. HGS is related to mean amplitudes (p = 0.123), MVC (p = 0.043), sexual function (p = 0.049), and physical activity (p = 0.004). We therefore conclude that there were no differences between HGS and PFM strength in young adult and middle-aged women. Furthermore, HGS is related to the PFM functionality, sexual function, and physical activity.

Test-retest Reliability Of Upper Limb Muscular Strength In Breast Cancer Survivors

Upper limb muscular strength (ULMS) can be compromised by surgery in breast cancer survivors (BCS). Different physical and functional characteristics of upper limbs in BCS may interfere with strength measurements test-retest reliability. However, there is no data currently available on test-retest reliability of unilateral single or bilateral multi-joint strength measurements, such as handgrip strength (HGS) and bilateral isometric bench press test (BIBP), on the treated side of BCS when considering limb dominance. PURPOSE: To evaluate the test-retest reliability of ULMS in BCS who underwent surgery on the dominant treated side (onDS) or on the non-dominant treated side (nonDS). METHODS: Twenty-five BCS women (52.96 ± 8.77 years; 69.62 ± 14.97 kg) underwent ULMS assessments using HGS and BIBP in two days, three to seven days apart. The mean of three best attempts out of four to five were used for analyses. Test-retest reliability were analyzed using intraclass coefficient correlation (ICC) and coefficient of variation (CV). Paired samples t-tests were used to compare the results of the strength tests, test vs. retest. RESULTS: 40% of surgery was conducted in the nonDS (n=10) while 60.0% on the onDS (n=15). Test-retest reliability on onDS for the HGS and BIBP were ICC = 0.97 and CV = 2.78% and ICC = 0.87 and CV = 10.37% respectively. Test-retest reliability on nonDS for the HGS and BIBP were ICC = 0.91 and CV = 11.82% and ICC = 0.89 and CV = 7.52% respectively. Statistical difference was found between test-rest for HGS on nonDS (test = 21.47 ± 7.43 kgf, retest = 24.07 ± 5.57 kgf, p = 0.021), but not for HGS on onDS (test = 27.30 ± 4.63 kgf, retest = 27.42 ± 4.68 kgf, p = 0.754). For BIBP test, a significant difference between test-retest in the onDS (test = 97.65 ± 21.28 N, retest = 106.71 ± 27.44 N, p = 0.033), but not in the nonDS (test = 100.75 ± 22.12 N, retest = 104.65 ± 24.91 N, p = 0.435) was observed. CONCLUSIONS: Both, HGS and BIBP test are reliable measurements to assess ULMS in BCS; however, when surgery was on the nonDS, HGS may present higher within variability while when surgery was in the onDS, higher within variability was only observed for BIBP test. Further research is warranted to confirm or refute this initial study but also to identify specific factors that may have influenced the differences in HGS and BIBP measurements in the current study.

Differences in Muscle Strength, Physical Activity, and Cardiometabolic Risk Factors between Type 2 Diabetic Patients with and Without Benzodiazepines or Antipsychotic Medications

Abstract Objective: This study aimed to examine differences in muscle strength, physical activity, and cardiometabolic risk factors between Type 2 diabetic patients with and without benzodiazepines (BZD) or antipsychotic drugs (APD). Methods: The author conducted a cross-sectional study on patients with Type 2 diabetes (T2D) whose medication history was collected, and handgrip strength (HGS) was measured. Non-BZD- or APD-users were matched one-to-one with the BZD- or APD-users with respect to their age, gender, and body mass index. The differences in HGS, physical activity, and cardiometabolic risk factors such as blood pressure, lipid profile, and glycemic control between groups were assessed. Results: One hundred and ninety-six patients with and without BZD and 85 patients with and without APD were enrolled. HGS and walking time were significantly lower in patients treated with BZD or APD users than those without BZD or APD. Serum triglycerides levels were higher and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels were lower in patients treated with APD than those treated without APD. Both BZD and APD users had a longer sleep duration than nondrug users. Conclusion: BZD and APD were associated with decreased muscle strength and daily physical activity, and APD could impair lipid metabolism in patients with T2D, which may result in increasing the risk of cardiovascular (CV) events. BZDs and APDs should be judiciously prescribed for patients with T2D who are at high risk of CV disease.

Comparison of handgrip strength values in young children when using two different types of dynamometers.

A Smedley hand dynamometer is one of the standard devices for measuring handgrip strength (HGS) for children and adults. The aim was to compare the HGS values using two different types of dynamometers (Grip-A or Grip-D) in young children. To enable comparison between the two devices, we have redesigned the Grip-D (i.e., modified Grip-D). Twenty-five preschool children (10 girls and 15 boys) performed maximal voluntary HGS in the right hand using two different types of dynamometers. We ran a paired sample t-test on the difference in HGS between the two devices. The measured values of HGS were 9.95 kg for Grip-A and 8.56 kg for modified Grip-D, and the difference between the two devices [1.39 (SD 0.65) kg] was greater than we expected (95% limits of agreement: 0.11, 2.6kg). Thus, we then calibrated both dynamometers ourselves using known weights. The measured values were corrected if there was an error between the known weight and each dynamometer. Following adjustment, there was still a statistical difference (p < 0.001) in HGS between Grip-A [10.65 (SD 1.52) kg] and modified Grip-D [9.98 (SD 1.85) kg]. However, the difference between the two devices was 0.67 (SD 0.69) kg with the 95% limits of agreement between -0.68 and 2.0kg. It is concluded that the HGS values of children measured with the company-calibrated new Grip-A and modified Grip-D could provide reasonably close estimates.

Optimal Grip Span for Measuring Maximum Handgrip Strength in Preschool Children

Background: Since the minimum grip span of a standard Smedley hand dynamometer is 4 cm, the handgrip strength (HGS) value at a less than 4 cm grip span has not been reported. Objective: The present study examined the impact of grip span on handgrip strength (HGS) in young children using a dynamometer ranging from 2 to 4.5 cm of grip span. Methods: A total of 93 (39 girls and 54 boys) children were recruited from a local kindergarten with the cooperation of their parents. Each participant performed one test trial and then five maximal trials using different grip spans (2.0, 3.0, 3.5, 4.0, and 4.5 cm) in random order and allowing a 1-minute rest between measures. Results: There was a statistically significant difference in HGS depending on which grip span was used, χ2(4) = 211.5 (p < 0.001). Mean ranks were 1.03, 2.79, 3.72, 3.94, and 3.53 for 2 cm, 3 cm, 3.5 cm, 4 cm, and 4.5 cm, respectively. Follow-up tests found statistically significant differences between each grip span comparison except for the 3.5 cm vs. 4.0 cm comparison (p = 0.166) and the 3.5 cm vs. 4.5 cm comparison (p = 0.611). Our finding showed that the highest HGS appeared at a grip span of 4.0 cm. In addition, the difference between HGS at a grip span of 4.0 cm and 3.5 cm or a grip span of 4.0 cm and 4.5 cm was statistically different but relatively small. Conclusion: Our results recommended that the target grip span for measuring maximal HGS in young children is about 4 cm (4 ± 0.5 cm).