Dominant Handgrip Strength Research Articles

Association between anemia and grip strength indices combined with anthropometry in the Korean population

Anemia is common in older people and is associated with low hand grip strength (HGS). However, there is no study of the association of anemia with both absolute and various relative HGS indices. Therefore, the objectives of this study are to examine the association of anemia with absolute and relative HGS indices and to evaluate whether the relative HGS indices are useful as risk indices of anemia. In this large-scale cross-sectional study, we analyzed the association of anemia with anthropometric indices, absolute HGS indices, and relative HGS indices using both crude and adjusted binary logistic regression models. A total of 24,022 participants were included in the final analysis. Anemia was defined as a blood hemoglobin concentration of less than 13.0 g/dL for men, less than 11.0 g/dL for pregnant women, and less than 12.0 g/dL for nonpregnant women. We considered covariates such as residential area, marital status, education level, occupation, household income, alcohol consumption, smoking status, muscular exercise, walking exercise, blood pressure, and age for men, while for women, we also included menopause. The mean ages of the subjects in this study were 51.89 ± 0.19 years in the nonanemic group and 66.56 ± 0.61 in the anemic group in men and 52.55 ± 0.19 in the nonanemic group and 51.85 ± 0.44 in the anemic group in women. The number of anemic patients was 570 (5.5%) in men and 1638 (12%) in women. The mean HGS value in the dominant hand was 38.97 ± 0.11 in the nonanemic group and 30.84 ± 0.38 in the anemic group in men and 22.64 ± 0.07 in the nonanemic group and 21.85 ± 0.16 in the anemic group in women. Age was highly associated with anemia in men but not in women. Absolute HGS indices, such as the dominant HGS index and both HGS indices, were negatively associated with anemia in both sexes in all crude and adjusted models. All relative HGS indices were associated with anemia in men, but in women, only dominant HGS divided by height and both HGS divided by height were related to anemia status in all models. The associations between anemia and absolute and relative HGS indices were significantly high in men, while in women, these associations were of moderate strength. Anemia was negatively associated with HGS in the Korean population. The strengths of the associations of anemia with the absolute and relative HGS indices showing the highest association with anemia were similar. Therefore, there is no need to use relative HGS indices as risk factors for anemia, and absolute HGS indices, as easily obtained and cost-effective measurement, are suitable.

Physical frailty recovery is slower than mental frailty recovery after non-cardiac surgery in older adult patients.

Frailty is characterized by fragility and decline in physical, mental, and social activities; it is commonly observed in older adults. No studies have reported frailty status changes between the preoperative and postoperative periods, including mental and cognitive factors. Therefore, this study investigated frailty factors, including mental and cognitive functions, that change after non-cardiac surgery in older adults. Patients aged ≥ 75years who underwent non-cardiac surgery were surveyed using five tools (Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group-Performance Status (PS); handgrip strengths; Japan-Cardiovascular Health Study index (J-CHS index); Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE); and Geriatric Depression Scale) for comprehensive evaluation of perioperative functions. The results before surgery, at discharge, and during follow-up at the outpatient clinic were compared. Fifty-three patients with a median age of 80 (IQR, 77-84) years were evaluated. MMSE scores did not change during the perioperative period. The PS and J-CHS index worsened significantly at discharge and did not improve at the outpatient clinic follow-up. The dominant handgrip strength decreased after surgery (p < 0.001) but improved during follow-up. Additionally, nondominant handgrip strength decreased after surgery (p < 0.001) but did not recover as much as the dominant handgrip strength during follow-up (p = 0.015). Changes in physical frailty and mental and cognitive functions were not identical perioperatively in older adult patients undergoing non-cardiac surgery. Physical frailty did not improve 1month after surgery, mental function recovered early, and cognitive function did not decline. This study may be important for frailty prevention in older adult patients.

Short sleeping duration is associated with a higher risk of asymmetric handgrip strength among older Chinese males: a cross-sectional study evidence from the China health and retirement longitudinal study.

This study aimed to explore the potential correlation between sleeping duration and the risk of handgrip strength (HGS) asymmetry in older Chinese adults. The data of participants (65+ years of age) were obtained from the first Wave 1 (2011) of the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS). Information on sleeping duration during the previous month was collected from self-reports and was divided into three groups: long (>8 h), normal (6-8 h), and short (< 6 h). HGS was computed as the average of two tests per hand and asymmetric HGS was diagnosed when the ratio of average non-dominant to average dominant HGS was greater than 1.1 or less than 0.9. Logistic regression analyses were employed to gauge the relationship between sleeping duration and asymmetric HGS risk. In total, 3,174 participants were enrolled in this analysis, of whom 51.54% (1,636/3,174) were male. The proportions of asymmetric HGS were 42.18% in males and 41.87% in females. The sleeping duration (hours) in the asymmetric and non-asymmetric HGS groups were 6 h (5,8) and 7 h (5,8) in males with a significant difference between them (p = 0.015), and 6 h (5,8) and 6 h (5,8) in females with no significant difference (p = 0.415). Compared with non-asymmetric HGS individuals, the proportions of normal, short, and long sleeping duration were 40.4, 47.3, and 37.7% in males with a significant difference (p = 0.023), and 42.4, 40.3, and 43.8% in females with no significant differences (p = 0.685). An adjusted logistic regression analysis model confirmed that short sleeping duration was significantly associated with asymmetric HGS risk among older males (p = 0.048, OR = 1.252, 95%CI:1.002-1.565). The results demonstrated that short sleeping duration (<6 h) was a risk factor for increased HGS asymmetry among older Chinese males.

Evaluation of the Effectiveness of Using Handgrip Strength in Determining Malnutrition in Adolescents

We aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of using handgrip strength (HGS) in determining malnutrition in adolescents. Sixty-two participants (10–18 years of age), 33 malnourished and 29 healthy participants, were recruited. A questionnaire was administered, and anthropometric parameters and HGS were measured. Dominant HGS was different in children with (11.6 ± 5.8 nkgF) or without (21.6 ± 5.7 kgF) malnutrition (P &lt; .001). Body mass index, triceps/biceps skinfold, neck/waist/wrist circumferences, and arm muscle area were correlated with HGS. According to receiver operating characteristic analysis, dominant (area under the curve [AUC]: 85.9%), and nondominant HGSs (AUC: 83.9%) were possible predictors for malnutrition. HGS may be used as a tool for malnutrition assessment in adolescents.

Preoperative low handgrip strength (HGS) with HGS asymmetry is associated with adverse outcomes among older adults with gastric cancer

IntroductionThis study aimed to explore the associations of low hand grip strength (HGS), HGS asymmetry, their combinations, and frailty on hospital readmissions, total complications, and prolonged length of stay (PLOS) among older adults with gastric cancer. Materials and MethodsThis study included 342 patients with gastric cancer aged ≥60 years who were scheduled to undergo radical surgery. The Tilburg Frailty Indicator (TFI) was used to collect information on frailty. HGS was measured twice for each hand using an electronic handgrip dynamometer. The highest HGS readings on each hand were used for calculating the HGS asymmetry ratio: non-dominant HGS (kg)/dominant HGS (kg). The Fine and Gray proportional subdistribution hazard model and the logistic regression model were used for the analyses, with covariates adjusted. ResultsLow HGS (subdistribution hazard ratios [SHR] = 2.10, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.05–3.93, P = 0.036) and low HGS with HGS asymmetry (SHR = 3.95, 95% CI = 1.50–10.36, P = 0.005) were significantly associated with hospital readmissions. Frailty was associated with total complications (odds ratio [OR] = 2.87, 95% CI = 1.61–5.13, P < 0.001) and PLOS (OR = 1.98, 95% CI = 1.19–3.29, P < 0.001). Low HGS, HGS asymmetry, and their combinations were not significantly associated with total complications and PLOS. DiscussionPreoperative low HGS and low HGS with HGS asymmetry were associated with hospital readmissions, while frailty was associated with total complications and PLOS among older adults with gastric cancer. In the future, more rigorously designed studies are needed to verify our results further to improve preoperative clinical assessment and frailty evaluation among older adults with gastric cancer.

Urdu Translation and Psychometric Validation of Manual Ability Measure (MAM-36) in Patients with Neurological Disease

Background: The pathophysiological underpinnings of lifelong impairment in a variety of acute and chronic neurological illnesses include neuronal loss and destruction. Upon neuroaxonal injury, levels of neurofilament proteins rise in the blood and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). The Manual Ability Measure (MAM-36) is a questionnaire about the perceived ease or difficulty individuals may experience when performing unilateral and bilateral ADL tasks. The objective o was to translate and validate the Urdu version of manual ability measure for patients with neurological disorders Methods: A standardized step by step forward and backward translation procedure was followed. Data was collected from 108 patients with neurological diseases. Researcher employed Urdu version of self-administered MAM-36 questionnaire for data collection. Data was analysed by using SPSS.25. in this study test retest reliability was found through alpha Cronbach and Intra class Coefficient and construct validity was assess in relation to MusiQOL Results: The reliability analysis of the Manual Ability Measure (MAM-36) questionnaire demonstrated a high level of internal consistency, with both readings having a Cronbach's alpha reliability coefficient of 0.987. The sample consisted of 45 males (41.7%) and 63 females (58.3%), and the majority had a middle socioeconomic status (66.7%). Descriptive statistics showed that the sample had a mean age of 56±4 years, a mean height of 1.68±0.1 meters, a mean weight of 86.5±11.0 kg, a mean body mass index of 30.7±4, a mean grip strength of dominant hand of 24.6±1.9, and a mean grip strength of non-dominant hand of 22.9±0.7. Practical Implication: The reliability statistics indicate that the MAM-36 questionnaire is a reliable and valid tool for measuring manual ability in individuals with neurological diseases. The strong positive correlation between the variable of interest and the reference variable supports the construct validity of the measure. Conclusion: Hence it was concluded that, the reliability statistics indicate that the MAM-36 questionnaire is a reliable and valid tool for measuring manual ability in individuals with neurological diseases. The strong positive correlation between the variable of interest and the reference variable supports the construct validity of the measure. Keywords: Psychometric validation, Manual Ability Measure (MAM-36), Neurological disease

Investigating the impact of demographic factors and working with computers on the hand grip and pinch strength of office workers

Introduction: In office tasks, pinch gripping of tools such as pen, paper, mouse, and keys are required during most working hours. This study aimed to determine the effect of demographic factors and working with a computer on office workers' hand grip and pinch strength.&#x0D; Materials and Methods: In this cross-sectional analytical study, after recording the demographic characteristics, the hand grip and pinch strength of 174 employees of 20 offices of Birjand city with at least 3 hours of daily computer work was measured using a Jamar hand dynamometer and Saehan pinch gauge. The data were analyzed by SPSS statistical software version 16. In addition to descriptive statistics, ANOVA, independent t-test, and Pearson correlation coefficient were used.&#x0D; Results: The mean and standard deviation related to the age of the subjects were 37.5 ± 7.15 and 13 ± 7.35 years. The relationship between the hand grip and pinch strength with the variables of sex, height, weight, and Handedness (except the tip of the males) was significant (P&lt;0.05), but with the variables of BMI, work experience, and age (except palmar of the dominant hand) was not significant. Computer work duration significantly affected the dominant hand's grip strength and both hands' palmar and tip pinch (P&lt;0.05).&#x0D; Conclusion: The results of this study show the effect of computer work duration on reducing office workers' hand grip and pinch strength. Therefore, it is recommended to apply ergonomic principles to maintain hand grip and pinch strength of computer users.

Association between handgrip strength asymmetry and cognitive function across ethnicity in rural China: a cross-sectional study.

Recently, the association between handgrip strength (HGS) asymmetry and cognition has been revealed, but evidences are still scarce. Particularly, the association between asymmetric HGS and cognitive performance in various cognitive domains is unclear and whether this association is stable across ethnic groups is unknown. The population was from a longitudinal study in rural areas of Fuxin, Liaoning, China. The Chinese version of Montreal Cognitive Assessment-Basic (MOCA-BC) was used to evaluate the cognitive function. The HGS ratio was calculated as maximal non-dominant HGS divided by maximal dominant HGS. HGS ratio <0.9 or >1.1 was classified as asymmetric dominant/non-dominant HGS, respectively. Generalized linear models were used to analyze the relationship between asymmetric HGS and cognitive function adjusted for HGS, handedness, wave, age, sex, education, ethnicity, smoking, drinking, physical labor level, BMI, hypertension, diabetes and dyslipidemia. A total of 2,969 participants ≥50 years were included in this study. Adjusted for HGS and other confunding variables, there was an inverted U-shaped association between HGS ratio and MoCA-BC scores (P non-linear = 0.004). The association between HGS ratio and MoCA-BC scores was inconsistent among ethnic groups (P interaction = 0.048). In Han, only asymmetric non-dominant HGS was associated with lower cognitive scores [β = -0.67, 95% confidence interval (CI): -1.26 ∼-0.08, P = 0.027]; in Mongolians, asymmetric dominant HGS(β = -0.60, 95% CI: -1.35 ∼ 0.15, P = 0.115) and asymmetric non-dominant HGS (β = -0.56, 95% CI: -1.42 ∼ 0.31, P = 0.206) were all associated with lower cognitive scores, although no statistical significance was found. Asymmetric non-dominant HGS and lower HGS, but not asymmetric dominant HGS were all independently associated with impairment of Delayed Recall (OR = 1.35, 95% CI: 1.05 ∼ 1.74; OR per 5 kg decrease = 1.10, 95% CI: 1.01 ∼ 1.21) and Fluency (OR = 1.43, 95% CI: 1.15 ∼ 1.78; OR per 5 kg decrease = 1.10, 95% CI: 1.02 ∼ 1.19). Both asymmetric dominant HGS (OR = 1.34, 95% CI: 1.07 ∼ 1.67) and lower HGS (OR per 5 kg decrease = 1.21, 95% CI: 1.10 ∼ 1.32) were associated with impairment of visuoperception. HGS and HGS asymmetry were all independently related to lower global cognitive performance. The association between HGS asymmetry and cognitive function varies among ethnic groups.

Gender-specific impacts of thigh skinfold thickness and grip strength for predicting osteoporosis in type 2 diabetes

BackgroundDiabetes with co-existing bone fragility or osteoporosis is common in elderly patients, whereas is frequently underestimated.MethodsWe conducted dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) with 7-site skinfold (SF) and dominant hand grip strength measurements among patients with type 2 diabetes (T2DM) to assess their gender-specific associations. A total of 103 patients with T2DM (60 females and 43 males), aged between 50 and 80 years (median 68.0 years) were enrolled and 45 non-DM females were also included to compare with T2DM females.ResultsOur results revealed osteoporosis was negatively correlated with grip strength in both genders, negatively correlated with lean mass solely in males and negatively correlated with fat mass (particular the gynoid fat mass and thigh SF thickness) in females. Via performing multivariable stepwise logistic regression, we identified grip strength in both genders and thigh SF thickness in females as predictors for osteoporosis. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis further disclosed 20.5 mm female thigh skinfold thickness, 18.1 kg female grip strength and 29.0 kg male grip strength as reasonable cutoff levels for predicting osteoporosis in the Taiwanese patients with T2DM.ConclusionsPatients with T2DM presented gender-specific associations between osteoporosis, body composition and grip strength. Grip strength and thigh SF thickness might serve as predictors for detection of osteoporosis in patients with T2DM.

Associations between biopsychosocial factors and transportation patterns of older adults residing in Klang Valley, Malaysia.

Aging is associated with physiological changes in multiple systems in the body and may impact the transportation choices of older adults. In this study, we examine the associations between biopsychosocial factors and the transportation choices of Malaysian older adults. One hundred and nineteen (119) older adults, aged 60 and above, living in Klang Valley, Malaysia were recruited for this cross-sectional study. Participants were interviewed face-to-face to obtain sociodemographic data, health status (whether there were and, if yes, the number of comorbidities), outdoor mobility and transportation patterns, Instrumental Activity Daily Living (IADL) status and cognitive function. Participants' physical performance (dominant handgrip strength, 10-m walk, and timed up and go tests), hearing threshold (pure tone audiometry), and vision function (visual acuity, contrast sensitivity) were measured. Transportation patterns of older adults were categorized into three groups, that is, flexible (using public transport and/or private vehicles), using only private vehicles and restricted (relying on others or walking). Further information is needed to enable such older adults as older women, those with comorbidities and poorer functional status to access transportation, especially to meet their health care needs. The majority (51%) of participants were in the 'using only private vehicles' group, followed by the 'flexibles' (25%) and the 'restricted' (24%). Factors significantly associated with the restricted transportation group were: (a) being female (AdjOR 15.39, 95% CI 0.86-23.39, p < 0.001); (b) being Malay (AdjOR 21.72, 95% CI 0.36-16.12, p < 0.001); (c) having higher number of comorbidities (AdjOR 14.01, 95% CI 0.20-13.21, p = 0.007); and (d) being dependent in IADL (AdjOR 13.48, 95% CI 0.51-1.78, p = 0.002).

Handgrip strength is associated with risks of new-onset stroke and heart disease: results from 3 prospective cohorts

BackgroundStroke and heart disease are two major contributors to the global disease burden. We aimed to evaluate and compare the roles of different handgrip strength (HGS) expressions in predicting stroke and heart disease in three nationally representative cohorts.MethodsThis longitudinal study used data from the Health and Retirement Study (HRS), the Survey of Health, Ageing, and Retirement in Europe (SHARE), and the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS). The Cox proportional hazard model was applied to analyze the relationship between HGS and stroke and heart disease, and Harrell’s C index was used to assess the predictive abilities of different HGS expressions.ResultsA total of 4,407 participants suffered from stroke and 9,509 from heart disease during follow-up. Compared with the highest quartile, participants in the lowest quartile of dominant HGS, absolute HGS and relative HGS possessed a significantly higher risk of new-onset stroke in Europe, America, and China (all P < 0.05). After adding HGS to office-based risk factors, there were minimal or no differences in the increases of Harrell’s C indexes among three HGS expressions. In contrast, the modest association between HGS and heart disease was only seen in SHARE and HRS, but not in CHARLS.ConclusionOur findings support that HGS can be used as an independent predictor of stroke in middle-aged and older European, American and Chinese populations, and the predictive ability of HGS may not depend on how it is expressed. The relationship between HGS and heart disease calls for further validation.

The association between isometric strength and cognitive function in adults with cerebral palsy.

The literature supports quantifying the maximum force/tension generated by one's forearm muscles such as the hand grip strength (HGS) to screen for physical and cognitive frailty in older adults. Thus, we postulate that individuals with cerebral palsy (CP), who are at higher risk for premature aging, could benefit from tools that objectively measure muscle strength as a functional biomarker to detect frailty and cognitive decline. This study assesses the clinical relevancy of the former and quantifies isometric muscle strength to determine its association with cognitive function in adults with CP. Ambulatory adults with CP were identified from a patient registry and were enrolled into this study. Peak rate of force development (RFD) and maximum voluntary isometric contraction of the quadriceps were measured using a commercial isokinetic machine, while HGS was collected with a clinical dynamometer. Dominant and non-dominant side were identified. Standardized cognitive assessments, including the Wechsler Memory and Adult Intelligence Scales IV, Short Test of Mental Status, and the Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS®) were used to evaluate cognitive function. A total of 57 participants (32 females; mean age 24.3 [SD 5.3]; GMFCS levels I-IV) were included in the analysis. Although dominant and non-dominant RFD and HGS measures were associated with cognitive function, non-dominant peak RFD showed the strongest associations with cognitive function. RFD capacity may reflect age-related neural and physical health and could be a better health indicator than HGS in the CP population.

Association of Handgrip Strength Weakness and Asymmetry With Incidence of Motoric Cognitive Risk Syndrome in the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study.

Motoric cognitive risk (MCR) syndrome is a type of pre-dementia. It is defined as the co-occurrence of subjective cognitive complaints and a slow gait speed. A recent study found that handgrip strength (HGS) asymmetry is associated with an increased risk of neurodegenerative disorders. We aimed to investigate the associations of HGS weakness and asymmetry separately and together with MCR incidence among older Chinese adults. Data from the 2011 and 2015 waves of the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study were used. HGS values <28 kg for male participants and <18 kg for female participants were considered HGS weaknesses. HGS asymmetry was assessed by the ratio of nondominant to dominant HGS. We used 3 different cutoff values of HGS ratio to define asymmetry, including 10%, 20%, and 30%. Specifically, HGS ratios <0.90 or >1.10 (10%), <0.80 or >1.20 (20%), and <0.70 or >1.30 (30%) were classified as asymmetry. The participants were classified into 4 groups: neither weakness nor asymmetry (neither), asymmetry only, weakness only, and weakness and asymmetry (both). The association between baseline HGS status and 4-year incidence of MCR was examined using logistic regression analyses. A total of 3,777 participants 60 years and older were included in the baseline analysis. The prevalence of MCR at the baseline was 12.8%. Participants with asymmetry only, weakness only, and both showed significantly increased risk of MCR. After excluding participants with MCR at baseline, 2,328 participants were included in the longitudinal analysis. There were 111 MCR cases (4.77%) over the 4-year follow-up period. Participants with HGS weakness and asymmetry together at baseline had increased odds of incident MCR (HGS ratio at 10%: odds ratio [OR] 4.48, p < 0.001; HGS ratio at 20%: OR 5.43, p < 0.001; HGS ratio at 30%: OR 6.02, p < 0.001). These results show that the presence of both HGS asymmetry and weakness is associated with MCR incidence. The early recognition of HGS asymmetry and weakness may be helpful in the prevention and treatment of cognitive dysfunction.

Examination of the correlation between hand grip strength and muscle mass, balance, mobility, and daily life activities in elderly individuals living in nursing homes.

Aging is a process that includes progressive physiological changes. Grip strength is an important indicator of current health in the elderly. The aim of the study was to examine the correlation between dominant-hand grip strength (HGS) and cognitive function, mid-upper arm circumference, muscle-bone mass, balance, mobility, and daily life activities in elderly individuals living in nursing homes and determine the effect rates of these factors on HGS. Seventy-two elderly individuals aged over 65 who lived in a nursing home were included in the study. Dominant HGS and mid-upper forearm circumference were measured. Muscle and bone masses were measured with bioelectrical impedance analysis. Mid-upper arm circumference was measured using a non-elastic tape. HGS was measured using a hand dynamometer. Cognitive function was evaluated with the Standardized Mini-Mental Test (SMMT); mobility and balance were evaluated with the Timed Up and Go Test (TUGT) and Berg Balance Scale (BBS); the Katz Activities of Daily Living Scale (KATZ ADL) was used to evaluate daily life activities. There was a significant correlation between HGS and muscle and bone masses (p < 0.001). A significant correlation was found between HGS and TUGT, ADL (p = 0.001, p = 0.016). There was no significant correlation between HGS and BBS (p = 0.2). There was a correlation between HGS and SMMT at the statistical significance limit (p = 0.055). On HGS, the Body Mass Index had a 64.9% effect; the muscle mass had a 30.9% effect; the TUGT had a 27.7% effect. These parameters were found to explain 59.9% of the variance. As a global indicator of muscle strength, HGS can be used to predict age-related functional changes. Approaches to increase physical activity levels in elderly can be effective in reducing age-related negativities.

Prediction of Lung Function Status Using Handgrip Strength and Anthropometry among the Healthy Malay Population in Malaysia

Lung function depends primarily on the strength of the intercostal muscles and the diaphragm, which is indirectly related to handgrip strength (HGS). This study aims to determine the predictability of lung functions using HGS among healthy adults of Malay ethnicity in Malaysia. This study also aims to compare the equation using HGS with equations without HGS, such as the Global Lung Initiative (GLI). This study was carried out among adults between 35 to 70 years of age residing in urban and rural Malaysia. A series of standardized questionnaires were used to collect socio-demographic information. Lung functions were measured using a portable spirometer and HGS was measured using a Jamar dynamometer. The predictability of lung function indices (FEV1 and FVC) using HGS, age, and height was determined using multiple linear regression (MLR). Prediction of lung function indices was also generated using models without HGS for comparison with the equation that used HGS from this study. Pearson correlation analysis showed that both dominant (r = 0.49; p < 0.001) and non-dominant (r = 0.58; p < 0.001) HGS had a moderate significant correlation with lung function. In the MLR model, HGS was a significant (p < 0.001) predictor of lung function indices (FEV1 and FVC). The correlation of the predicted and measured lung indices using the equation generated in this study, which includes HGS, was higher compared with other lung function test equations that do not include HGS. The equations from MLR could be used to predict lung function indices among healthy Malay adults. The measurement of HGS may be used as a screening tool for lung function status when spirometry is unavailable.

Recovery of Lung Function, Dominant Handgrip Strength, and Health-Related Quality of Life in Cardiac Surgical Patients Following Hospital Discharge

Purpose: Assessment of recovery in post-cardiac surgical patients is commonly conducted using lung function, dominant handgrip strength (DHGS), and health-related quality of life (HRQoL). The aim of this study was to determine the recovery of lung function, DHGS and HRQoL in cardiac surgical patients at six-weeks and six-months after hospital discharge. Further, this study investigated the association between these parameters and the predictive ability of DHGS for lung function and HRQoL. Methods: This was a prospective observational study that involved 58 cardiac surgical patients who completed lung function, DHGS, and HRQoL assessments pre-operatively, at six-weeks, and six-months after hospital discharge. Lung function was assessed using three different calibrated spirometers, while DHGS was measured using three different calibrated handgrip dynamometers. The Short-Form 36 questionnaire was utilized for HRQoL assessment. Results: At six-weeks after hospital discharge, lung function and DHGS were significantly (pConclusion:Variable changes were identified in lung function, DHGS, and HRQoL in cardiac surgical patients at six-weeks and six-months after hospital discharge. Dominant hand grip strength may have limited or no value in predicting lung function and HRQoL in cardiac surgical patients during the intermediate recovery period.

Age and Gender Differences in Anthropometric Characteristics and Motor Performance of 3 through 6 Young Kids Aged (Pilot Study)

It is crucial to evaluate children's motor coordination and strength to identify possible motor deficits on the right or left side of the body. However, whether a distinction exists in children aged 3-6 must be clarified. The goal of the current research was to investigate the differences in motor skills between preschool boys and girls, dominant and non-dominant hands or legs, in children of preschool age. (2) Methods: The present study was conducted on a sample of children (boys, n = 52; girls, n = 52; age range, 3-6 years). Three motor tests evaluated on both sides of the body served as the sample of factors used to measure athletic performance. Leg tapping (15 s), hand tapping (15 s), and a maximal hand grip strength (HGS) test kg. (3) Results: The study's findings show no statistically significant variations in preschool boys' and girls' motor skills. Preschool girls had better results in the right leg tapping than preschool boys t (98) = 2.08; p ≤ 0.04. We found a significant difference between genders aged 3-4, 4-5, and 5-6 years. No correlation was found between the girls' three variables and age. A small but significant positive correlation was found between dominant hand tapping and age r2 (52) = 0.21; p ≤ 0.01, dominant leg tapping and age r2 (52) = 0.20; p ≤ 0.01 and dominant HGS and age r2 (52) = 0.17; p ≤ 0.01. No noticeable differences were identified when comparing the dominant side with the non-dominant side in each group. The results show that most children prefer to use their right hand and right leg as their dominant sides. (4) Conclusion: The authors of this study focus on the functional (frequency of movements) and dynamic (differences in muscle strength between body sides) elements of asymmetry. Future studies should examine the influence of morphology on performance with the dominant or non-dominant body side.

Investigation of grip strength, pain threshold, pain tolerance and function in smartphone users

Purpose/Aim of the study Few studies have demonstrated the effects of smartphone use on grip strength and upper extremity function. The present study was purposed to compare smartphone users’ grip/lateral pinch strength, pain threshold/tolerance and upper limb function. Materials and methods A prospective cross-sectional study was conducted with 241 individuals. Participants were divided into three groups with the cut-off values of the Smartphone Addiction Scale (SAS). The Edinburgh Handedness Inventory (EHI) was used to determine the dominant side. Thumb pain threshold and tolerance were evaluated with the algometer. A hand dynamometer measured the grip and lateral pinch strength. Upper extremity functions were evaluated with the Shortened Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand Questionnaire (Quick-DASH). Results Handgrip strength of the dominant/non-dominant extremities and Quick-DASH scores were higher in low-level smartphone users (p < 0.05). There was no significant difference between the groups on lateral pinch strength and pain threshold/tolerance (p > 0.05). Smartphone usage significantly affected dominant and non-dominant hand grip strength (Standardized β 1 = −0.15, β 2 = −0.15, p < 0.05). In addition, the smartphone use level negatively affected dominant lateral pinch strength (Standardized β = −0.12, p = 0.05). On the other hand, smartphone use positively affected upper extremity function (Standardized β = 0.17, p < 0.05). Conclusions As smartphone addiction increases, standard handgrip strength and functionality decrease. Pain threshold/tolerance is not affected by smartphone use. Future studies should focus on fine motor skills to present a more comprehensive upper limb function evaluation.

Influence of Successive Wheelchair Tennis Matches on Handgrip Strength in High-Level Male Players

The purpose of this study was to examine the effects on upper strength in high-level male players playing four successive wheelchair tennis (WT) matches. Eight international WT players took part in a competition, playing one match per day over four consecutive tournament days. Before and after the match, the maximal isometric handgrip strength was measured on the dominant and non-dominant hand. Additionally, each player was equipped with one radiofrequency and IMU device on their wheelchair to control his activity profile (distance). The results showed significant differences between successive matches, with decreasing dominant handgrip strength (p = 0.02, η2 = 0.043), and there was a significant interaction between successive matches and the accumulated distance (p = 0.013, η2 = 0.049). The pre- and post-match strength values of the dominant hand decreased throughout the matches over a number of days, and post hoc analysis showed differences between the first and fourth matches only in pre-match strength (49.06 ± 6.96 vs. 45.94 ± 7.1; p = 0.045; ES: 1.04) but not in the non-dominant hand. Successive matches caused a decrease in the strength values of the WT players, mainly in the dominant hand. These results should be taken into account in the recovery and prevention of injuries in competitions with successive matches.

Influence of handgrip strength on pharyngeal transit time in individuals with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

To investigate the relationship between Handgrip Strength (HGS), dysphagia classification, nutritional aspects, and Pharyngeal Transit Time (PTT) in subjects with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). Study based on the analysis of secondary data from a database. The sample comprised 15 COPD patients of both sexes and a mean age of 65.7 years. We collected information on HGS, videofluoroscopic swallowing study, Volume-Viscosity Swallow Test (V-VST), and Body Mass Index (BMI). We applied correlation, effect size, and logistic regression tests at the 5% significance level. Most individuals had severe COPD (66.7%), mean dominant HGS of 28.2, and non-dominant HGS of 25.3. Five subjects were malnourished, five were well-nourished, and five were obese. Most of them had normal swallowing (40%), normal V-VST results (60%), and PTT of 0.89 s (liquid) and 0.81 s (pudding-thick). There was no significant correlation between the swallowing classification and the other variables. We obtained a significant correlation (p = 0.015), though weak (r = -0.611), between non-dominant HGS and PTT. Regarding the binary logistic regression, HGS variables and HGS asymmetry were not enough to be considered a risk to clinically abnormal swallowing (V-VST). Subjects with COPD in this study had a longer PTT than reported in the literature for normal subjects and a weak correlation between PTT and non-dominant HGS. The variables related to muscle condition were not considered predictors for abnormal swallowing.