Dominant Handgrip Strength Research Articles

Newly discovered molecules associated with trimetazidine on improvement of skeletal muscle function in aging: evidence from myoblasts and mice.

Poor muscle function is increasingly obvious with aging and needs effective and safe medicine for treatment. Trimetazidine (TMZ) has potential benefits for the condition but has not yet been fully recognized. In the randomized-control pilot study part, fifty-three old patients were assigned to the TMZ group or control group. For the TMZ group, a dose of 35mg of oral TMZ was administered with a meal twice a day for 3months. Only conventional treatments were administrated in the control group. Muscle strength, gait speed, muscle endurance, and balance maintenance were measured during the visits. In the experiments part, thirty mice were screened and randomly assigned to three groups: model group received a D-gal (500mg/kg) intraperitoneal injection every two days for six weeks, the control group received saline at the same condition, and the intervention group received 5mg/kg TMZ solution every two days by gavage for two weeks. Swimming tests and forelimb grip strength measurements were also performed. Furthermore, significantly clustered profiles from differentially expressed genes were found by RNA-seq and verified by qRT-PCR and WB. Myofiber analyses were done by H&E staining. Here, we found the improvement of skeletal performance in aged individuals and aged mouse. The dominant handgrip strength (HS) was increased by 24.4% and dominant pinch strength (PS) by 12.4% in participants with TMZ modified-release tablets consumption. Exhaustive time was increased by 23.6% and upper limb grip strength by 44.1% in aged mouse with TMZ-treated. Besides, we also identified some newly discovered molecules associated with TMZ on muscle function improvement during aging. To aged C2C12 cells and aged mouse muscle, TMZ-treated was related to a statistically significant decrease in the expressions of NOS3 and MMP-9, but a statistically significant increase in the expressions of OMD and MyoG. In summary, TMZ modified-release tablets can improve the muscle strength of elderly patients. Besides, the improvement of skeletal muscle function affected by TMZ was associated with reducing NOS3 expression in senescent myoblasts.

Calf circumference as a predictor of skeletal muscle mass in postmenopausal women

Background & AimsMenopause causes significant changes in the quantity of female muscle mass. Reduced muscle mass is associated with lower quality of life, increased risk of fractures, and decline in functional capacity. Therefore, the use of simple and affordable measures to detect decreased skeletal muscle mass is important for an efficient clinical practice. This study analyzed the correlation between skeletal muscle mass (SMM) with calf circumference (CC) and handgrip strength (HGS) in postmenopausal women.MethodsThis cross-sectional study was conducted on postmenopausal women ≥ 60 years old (n = 120) recruited in an outpatient clinic of a Brazilian university. Sociodemographic, clinical, and anthropometric data (height, body mass, body mass index - BMI, CC), HGS, and SMM using BIA were collected according to standardized protocols. Correlation between variables (SMM, CC, HGS, and BMI) were analyzed using Pearson and Spearman correlation tests. Multivariate linear regression was applied to determine the influence of CC, HGS and BMI on SMM. Statistical tests were performed at 95% confidence level.ResultsSignificant and moderate correlation were found between SMM and BMI (r = 0.54; P < 0.001), low correlations with SMM and dominant handgrip strength (r = 0.35; P < 0.001) and non-dominant handgrip strength (r = 0.33; P < 0.001). CC was high correlated to SMM (r = 0.71; P < 0.001). CC was the only variable associated with SMM after adjusting for sociodemographic and lifestyle variable (P < 0.005), meaning that for every centimeter increase in CC there was an increase of 0.53 kg in SMM.ConclusionsCC was associated to SMM in postmenopausal women, expanding the possibilities of using simple measures in clinical practice for tracking sarcopenia. Menopause causes significant changes in the quantity of female muscle mass. Reduced muscle mass is associated with lower quality of life, increased risk of fractures, and decline in functional capacity. Therefore, the use of simple and affordable measures to detect decreased skeletal muscle mass is important for an efficient clinical practice. This study analyzed the correlation between skeletal muscle mass (SMM) with calf circumference (CC) and handgrip strength (HGS) in postmenopausal women. This cross-sectional study was conducted on postmenopausal women ≥ 60 years old (n = 120) recruited in an outpatient clinic of a Brazilian university. Sociodemographic, clinical, and anthropometric data (height, body mass, body mass index - BMI, CC), HGS, and SMM using BIA were collected according to standardized protocols. Correlation between variables (SMM, CC, HGS, and BMI) were analyzed using Pearson and Spearman correlation tests. Multivariate linear regression was applied to determine the influence of CC, HGS and BMI on SMM. Statistical tests were performed at 95% confidence level. Significant and moderate correlation were found between SMM and BMI (r = 0.54; P < 0.001), low correlations with SMM and dominant handgrip strength (r = 0.35; P < 0.001) and non-dominant handgrip strength (r = 0.33; P < 0.001). CC was high correlated to SMM (r = 0.71; P < 0.001). CC was the only variable associated with SMM after adjusting for sociodemographic and lifestyle variable (P < 0.005), meaning that for every centimeter increase in CC there was an increase of 0.53 kg in SMM. CC was associated to SMM in postmenopausal women, expanding the possibilities of using simple measures in clinical practice for tracking sarcopenia.

Elit Eskrimcilerin Performans Parametrelerinin İncelenmesi

Fencing sport, by its nature, includes high aerobic and anaerobic activities and can also be affected by different parameters such as age, gender, technical level. Therefore, the aim of the study was to examine the performance parameters of the Turkey junior national fencing team in terms of gender. &#x0D; Nineteen national athletes (9 male age; 15.55±.88 years, body height;1.79±.05 cm, body mass; 71.22±9.33 kg, 10 female age;15.60±1.34, body height; 1.69±.06 cm, body mass; 57.00±8.81 kg) in the national team camp participated to the study voluntarily. In the study, anthropometric measurements and performance parameters of fencers were measured. In the study, handgrip strength, agility T-test, Yo-Yo IR1 test, vertical jump test (anaerobic power), balance test, 30-sec push-up, and 30-sec sit-up tests were performed. The analysis of the study was made using 24 SPSS package programs. Pearson Correlation test, paired-sample t-test, and independent-sample t-test were used. &#x0D; When the performance parameters of male and female fencers were compared, there were significant differences in favor of males in the parameters of the dominant hand, non-dominant handgrip strength, agility, aerobic endurance, anaerobic power, agility, 30s push-ups, and 30s sit-ups, but no statistically significant difference was found between total balance scores. In both groups, it was found that the dominant hand produced statistically more handgrip strength than the other hand. There was a significant relationship between dominant handgrip strength with anaerobic power and push-ups with total balance in male fencers' performance parameters. When the performance values of female fencers were examined; there was a significant relationship between anaerobic power with sit-up and both handgrips strength. Also, there was a relationship between dominant handgrip strength and non-dominant handgrip strength with the sit-up test. A correlation was found between dominant handgrip strength and non-dominant handgrip strength.&#x0D; When the performance parameters of fencing athletes are examined; the performance parameters of male fencers are better than female fencers. The increase in one performance parameter also can affect the development of the others.

Effects of Different Testing Postures on Hand Grip Strength among Healthy Individuals

Grip strength play an important part in measuring strength of upper limb. Certain factors influence the hand grip strength like body stance of the members during the test, position of body and different parts like elbow, lower arm, shoulder and wrist, age and gender, nutritional status, hand outline and appendage length. Objectives: Determine effects of different testing postures (standing, sitting, supine, side lying and prone) on hand grip strength. Methods: A Cross-Sectional study was carried out at Shalamar School of Allied Health Sciences Lahore. This study recruited 45 participants of both gender, age between 18 to 24 years. Hand grip strength of dominant hand is measured in different testing postures (standing, sitting, supine, side lying and prone) by using hand held dynamometer. Correlation of all variables calculated through SPSS. Result:This study showed that hand grip strength was higher in standing position (36.60±10.79) and lower in prone position (27.52±8.01).Hand grip strength in sitting and supine position in males and females showed significant difference with standing position and non significant difference with prone position while hand grip strength in prone showed non significant difference with standing, sitting and supine position and significant difference with side lying position. Conclusion: This study concludes that hand grip strength was higher in standing, sitting, and supine position respectively and lower in side lying and prone position.

Sex Differences in the Associations of Handgrip Strength and Asymmetry With Multimorbidity: Evidence From the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing.

To determine the sex-specific associations of handgrip strength (HGS) and asymmetry with incident multimorbidity and examine whether these relationships differ by sex. Prospective cohort study. Secondary analyses of data from the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing (ELSA, waves 2-8). The analytic sample included 3977 participants (51.4% female) aged ≥50years who had data for HGS on both hands and were living without multimorbidity at baseline. HGS was assessed with a handheld dynamometer. Individuals in the lowest tertile of sex-specific age-adjusted HGS were defined as having low HGS. The largest HGS readings from the nondominant and dominant hand were used to calculate HGS ratio [nondominant HGS (kg)/dominant HGS (kg)]. Those with HGS ratio <0.90 or >1.10 had any HGS asymmetry. Further, those with HGS ratio <0.90 had dominant HGS asymmetry, whereas those with HGS ratio >1.10 had nondominant HGS asymmetry. Multimorbidity was defined as the coexistence of ≥2 chronic diseases. Cox proportional hazards regression models were conducted for analyses. Low HGS was associated with multimorbidity among older men [hazard ratio (HR) 1.20, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.03-1.40] and women (HR 1.19, 95% CI 1.03-1.38). No significant effect modification by sex was observed (P-interaction= .71). HGS asymmetry increased the risk of multimorbidity in women only (HR 1.23, 95% CI 1.07-1.41). The relationship between HGS asymmetry and multimorbidity risk differed by sex (P-interaction= .01). Similarly, both dominant HGS asymmetry (HR 1.21, 95% CI 1.05-1.40) and nondominant HGS asymmetry (HR 1.32, 95% CI 1.03-1.68) were related to incident multimorbidity in women only. There was a significant interaction between dominant HGS asymmetry and sex (P-interaction = .02). Examining HGS asymmetry in HGS test protocols can provide novel insights for the predictive power of HGS in the accumulation of diseases, particularly in women.

Handgrip strength asymmetry is associated with the risk of neurodegenerative disorders among Chinese older adults.

BackgroundNeurodegenerative disorders, as the irreversible condition, have a long, silent preclinical period. Recognition of early physical signs of neurodegenerative disorders had important practical implications for identifying at‐risk population. The aim of this study was to investigate whether handgrip strength (HGS) asymmetry was associated with the incidence of neurodegenerative disorders among Chinese older adults.MethodsThis study used the data of participants aged 60 years and over from three waves (2011–2015) of China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study. HGS asymmetry was measured with HGS ratio (maximal non‐dominant HGS/maximal dominant HGS), with the value less than 0.9 or more than 1.1 considered as HGS asymmetry. Physician‐diagnosed neurodegenerative disorders were identified by self‐reported or proxy‐reported information. Competing risk analysis was conducted to examine the association between HGS asymmetry and incident neurodegenerative disorders, with mortality treated as the competing event.ResultsA total of 4925 participants were included in the analysis [mean (SD) age: 68.1(6.68); female: 49.7%]. Eight hundred and eighty‐eight (18.0%) participants had low HGS and 2227 (45.2%) had HGS asymmetry. During the 4 years of follow‐up, there were 156 cases of neurodegenerative disorders and 422 cases of mortality. The incidence of neurodegenerative disorders was 8.7 per 1000 person‐years [95% confidence interval (CI): 7.4–10.2], and the incidence of mortality was 23.5 per 1000 person‐years (95% CI: 21.4–25.9). Both the cause‐specific model and the Fine–Gray subdistribution hazard model showed that participants with HGS asymmetry had increased hazard of neurodegenerative disorders [hazard ratio (HR) = 1.66, P = 0.002, 95% CI: 1.202–2.297; subdistribution hazard ratio (SHR) = 1.65, P = 0.002, 95% CI: 1.202–2.285]. Low HGS, but not HGS asymmetry, was related to the higher hazard of mortality (HR = 1.61, P < 0.001, 95% CI: 1.297–1.995; SHR = 1.58, P < 0.001, 95% CI: 1.286–1.951).ConclusionsHandgrip strength asymmetry was associated with the future risk of neurodegenerative disorders among Chinese older adults. Public healthcare providers could consider examining HGS asymmetry along with the maximal HGS as a way to identify those at elevated risk of neurodegenerative disorders.

Effortful control and health among triads of mothers and twin children: An actor-partner interdependence modeling approach.

Associations between effortful control and physical and mental health were examined among triads of mothers and twin children by simultaneously modeling the effects of one's own effortful control on one's own health (actor effects) with the effects of the other two family members' effortful control on one's health (partner effects). Families (N = 761 individuals; 254 families) included mothers (Mage = 39.98, SD = 5.64) and their twin children (Mage = 8.58, SD = 0.57; 51% female; 54.7% non-Hispanic White, 28% Hispanic). Mothers completed online and in-person questionnaires, and mothers' and children's body composition indicators and dominant-handgrip strength were directly assessed during two home visits. Actor effects dominated in families with twin boys and mixed-sex twins, whereas partner effects were more apparent in families with twin girls. In addition, the effects of children's effortful control on mothers' health depended on the sex of the twins. Findings uncovered important family dynamics linking effortful control to health, including that associations may vary by sex match of children in the family. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2022 APA, all rights reserved).

Determinants of physical performance in Indian kidney-transplant recipients: A prospective observational study

Background: Physical performance refers to the functional demonstration of task. Little is known about physical performance among Indian kidney-transplant recipients (KTRs). The objective of the present study was to evaluate the physical performance among Indian KTRs and to find its determinants from transplant, demographic, or behavior components. Methodology: In this single-center, prospective observational study, 149 KTRs with estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) ≥45 ml/min/1.72 m2 and posttransplant duration (PTD) >6 months were enrolled. Physical performance was evaluated by 6 minute walk distance (6MWD), dominant hand grip strength (DHGS), numbers of 1 minute sit to stand (1MSTS), and time taken to perform 5 times sit to stand (5xSTS). Multivariate analysis was performed between transplant-related components (PTD, dialysis vintage, eGFR, and comorbidity); health behavioral components (total physical activity [TPA], sedentary time, fear of activity participation, body mass index, abdominal circumference); demographic components (age and gender); and each of the physical performance measures. Results: The average 6MWD was 392 ± 96.2 meters, the DHGS was 33.1 ± 6.8 kg, the number of 1MSTS repetitions was 24.0 ± 3.7/min, and the time taken to do 5xSTS was 10.6 ± 1.9 s among participants. When adjusted for cofounders with multivariable analyses, the health behavior of habitual physical activity was statistically significantly (P < 0.001) associated with all aspects of physical performance. Conclusion: Relatively low physical performance was seen among KTRs. Behavior of participation in physical activity contributed to the positive change in all aspects of physical performance against transplant and demographic variables, and it is the major determinant of physical performance.

Assessment of frailty in cirrhosis using bedside measures and its correlation with Child-Turcotte-Pugh, MELD & MELD-Na Scores.

Objectives:To assess frailty in cirrhotic by calculating Liver Frailty Index (LFI) using bedside clinical tests and correlate it with Child-Turcotte-Pugh (CTP), MELD, MELD Na, Fib- 4 and Transient Elastography (TE) scoresMethods:This cross-sectional observational comparative study was carried out in Dr Ruth KM Pfau Civil Hospital, Karachi from August 2020 to September 2021. Patients were subjected to three performance-based testing including dominant hand grip strength (HGS), Chair to Stand (CTS) Time & Three Position Balance (TPB). LFI was calculated using the online LFI calculator, available at http://liverfrailtyindex.ucsf.edu and classified as ‘Robust’ if LFI <3.2, ‘Prefrail’ LFI between 3.2 and 4.4, and ‘Frail’ as LFI ≥4.5. Correlation of frailty with MELD, MELD-Na and CTP Scores was done. Means of MELD & MELD-Na Scores and CTP scores were calculated in all 3 classes of frailty using one way ANOVA. A p-value of ≤.05 was taken as significant.Results:Out of 118 patients, 62 (52.5%) were males. Mean MELD score was 11.4 ±3.3, MELD-Na was 15.97 ±8.54, CTP 8.25 ±2.21, Fib-4 was 2.79 ±1.034 and TE score was 18.20 ±9.17. Mean LFI was 3.87 ±1.07; mean HGS was 18.12 ±4.68; mean of CTS was 9.62 ±3.55. LFI Class distribution in our cohort showed Robust were 36 (30.5%), Prefrail 34 (28.8%) and Frail were 48 (40.8%). Correlation of all these variables with LFI showed significant correlation with LFI, but highest correlation coefficient was seen with MELD-Na.Conclusion:Significant correlation between frailty score in cirrhotic with cirrhosis severity scores highlights the need for frequently assessing LFI in all cirrhotic at regular follow up visits.

The Potential Win-win Strategy for Healthy Aging and Environmental Protection: Environmental Volunteering.

To explore the physical activity level of community environmental volunteering (CEV) participants and the differences in physical functions and daily activity patterns between the older adults who engaged in intensive CEV (≥15hours/week) and non-intensive CEV (<15hours/week) groups. Cross-sectional study. Three recycling stations in Taiwan. In total, 113 community-dwelling older adults who regularly participated in CEV. The response rate was 53%. The ActiGraph wGT3x-BT accelerometer for the percentage of sedentary, light, and moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) of CEV time and awaken time; the Jamar hand dynamometer for grip strength; and the MicroFET3 muscle testing dynamometer for knee extension strength. Analysis of covariance with the baseline characteristics as covariates. Overall, MVPA, light, and sedentary activities accounted for 53.73%, 41.10%, and 5.23% of CEV time, respectively. The intensive group (n = 61) displayed greater dominant handgrip strength (P = .004) and higher MVPA percentage in daily life (P = .044) than the non-intensive group (n = 52). CEV provides sufficient opportunities for older adults to perform physical activity. Intensive CEV is related to greater handgrip strength but not lower limb strength. Further study is needed to establish the causal relationship between CEV and health variates.

The anthropometric, physical, and relative age characteristics of an English Premiership rugby union academy

Long-term athlete development is a primary focus for the England Rugby Football Union (RFU). The purpose of this study was to explore the anthropometric, physical, and relative age characteristics of rugby union academy players based on age group and playing position. Seventy-eight participants were examined for height, body mass, 10 and 20 m sprint, countermovement jump, reactive strength index, aerobic capacity, isometric hip extension, dominant handgrip strength, and birth quartile (BQ) across three age categories (i.e., under-16, under-18, and under-21) and two positions (forwards and backs). ANOVA and Kruskall–Wallis analysis were used to examine differences across each age category and position. TukeyHSD and Dunn’s test with Bonferroni correction was used for further post-hoc analysis. BQ distributions were compared against national norms using chi-square analysis. Results revealed that both older forwards (P=0.005) and backs (P=0.002) had significantly greater body mass, maximal aerobic capacity, and power compared to younger players. However, older forwards had slower 10 m sprint times compared to younger forwards. Moreover, relatively older players were significantly overrepresented across all age groups when compared to relatively younger players. Findings suggest that: (a) players should aim to develop greater parameters of body mass and aerobic capacity; (b) forwards should aim to develop acceleration and strength; (c) backs should aim to develop power and quickness; (d) players need to develop anthropometric and physical qualities and differences are apparent by age and position; and, (e) coaches should consider relative age when recruiting and developing young players.&#x0D; Key words: Talent identification; Talent development; Expertise; Physical development; Physiological profile; Rugby football

Handgrip strength, dynapenia, and related factors in postmenopausal women.

This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence of dynapenia and factors related to low dominant handgrip strength (HGS) in postmenopausal women. A cross-sectional study was performed on 249 postmenopausal women aged 50 to 84 years. The following variables were recorded: age, age at menopause, smoking status, and the HGS measured with a digital dynamometer, body mass index, and adiposity assessed by bioelectric impedance. The physical activity level was evaluated by using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire. Bone mineral density was reported as T-scores, and blood biochemical parameters (calcium, phosphorus, vitamin D, and parathormone levels) were measured. 31.3% of women had dynapenia, and those aged ≥65 years had lower HGS (P < 0.001). Age at menopause was also associated with HGS, with those with menopause < 51 showing lower HGS (P = 0.005). Likewise, fat content ≥ 40%, and osteopenia/osteoporosis were also related to lower strength (P < 0.001). There was no statistically significant difference among HGS with respect to body mass index, smoking status, and plasma levels of vitamin D. A logistic regression model with lower Akaine Information Criterion showed that for every year in age and for each 1% of adiposity, women were more likely to have dynapenia with odd ratio (OR): 1.09; 95% and confidence interval (CI): 1.04 to 1.14 and OR: 1.06; 95% CI: 1.00 to 1.13, respectively. Conversely, women with higher femoral neck T-score were less likely to have dynapenia (OR: 0.53; 95% CI: 0.35-0.78). HGS was associated with age at menopause, bone mineral density, and adiposity adjusted by age. The age and adiposity were significantly associated with a higher risk of dynapenia, whereas women with higher femoral neck T-score were less likely to have dynapenia.

Using Virtual Reality-Based Rehabilitation in Sarcopenic Older Adults in Rural Health Care Facilities-A Quasi-Experimental Study.

Because of a shortage of health care providers, providing rehabilitation in health care facilities is difficult. Virtual reality-based rehabilitation is effective in older populations. There are only a few studies among patients with sarcopenia. This is a quasi-experimental, single-group, pretest-posttest design evaluating the clinical effectiveness of virtual reality-based progressive resistance training among residents aged over 60years with sarcopenia in rural care facilities. The authors used Oculus Rift with headsets to provide the virtual reality-based progressive resistance training. The authors administered the program twice per week, 30min per session, for 12weeks. The primary outcomes were dominant handgrip strength, walking speed, and appendicular skeletal muscle mass index. Data from 30 participants were analyzed. Significant improvements in handgrip strength and walking speed were observed. Although an increasing trend in appendicular skeletal muscle mass index was observed, it did not reach statistical significance. The authors concluded that the virtual reality-based progressive resistance training is partially effective in older sarcopenic adults in health care facilities.

Association of the dominant handgrip strength with the hand dimensions of adult Bangladeshi female laborers

The handgrip strength determines the overall physical health and muscle function of the hand. Nowadays in Bangladesh, female laborers are an important source of work force in many industries. Laborers require more handgrip strength to perform their daily work efficiently. Besides, hand is the part of the body that directly related with handgrip strength, so, the hand dimensions are deemed essential to investigate. Therefore this study is to investigate the association of the dominant handgrip strength with the hand dimensions like hand length, hand breadth, hand span, palm length, palm breadth and wrist breadth of adult Bangladeshi female laborers. Hundred (100) adult female laborers aged between 18 to 45 years, residing in different slums in Dhaka city of Bangladesh were the participants of the present research. Six selected hand dimensions of the right side were measured using the digital slide caliper by direct physical procedure and dominant handgrip strength was measured using a digital handgrip dynamometer. The associations of the dominant handgrip strength with the selected six hand dimensions were tested using Pearson’s correlation coefficient test. The mean value of the dominant handgrip strength of the laborers was 25.6 kg. In present research, the dominant handgrip strength was positively associated with the six selected hand dimensions (hand length, hand breadth, hand span, palm length, palm breadth and wrist breadth). However, the association of dominant handgrip strength with the breadth of hand, palm and wrist reached up to significant level individually. Besides, to get desired success in work of a female laborer, it is important to see the hand anthropometry and handgrip strength, because, better handgrip strength lead to better performance in work. Asian J. Med. Biol. Res. 2021, 7 (3), 230-237

Metacarpal squeezing reduces grip strength

Unduly tight plaster hand casts may narrow the metacarpal joint space, hindering rehabilitation. This study investigated how metacarpal narrowing affects grip strength. Forty-two adult volunteers with no other pathology were included. Dominant and non-dominant hand grip strength was measured with a digital hand dynamometer (Jamar plus, China). Metacarpal width was measured with a metal caliper, and the caliper was then fixed at 10% narrowing of the joint space, and a second measurement of grip strength was taken. The measurements were thus taken twice each in the dominant and non-dominant hand, and the average of the two was recorded. A total 336 measurements were taken in the dominant and non-dominant hands of 42 individuals at two time points. There was no significant difference in grip strength between dominant and non-dominant hands (p = 0.183). After 10% narrowing, both the dominant and the non-dominant hand showed a mean 33.4% reduction in grip strength: i.e., squeezing the metacarpus with a caliper significantly reduced grip strength in both dominant and non-dominant hands (p = 0.01). The study thus showed that grip strength will decrease significantly when the metacarpus is squeezed by a tight cast. Although the patient does not feel the 10% narrowing of the metacarpus, it is clear that hand muscle mass may be adversely affected in the long term.

Bilateral Deficits during Maximal Grip Force Production in Late Postmenopausal Women

The purpose of this study was to investigate bilateral deficit patterns during maximal hand-grip force production in late postmenopausal women. Twenty late postmenopausal and 20 young premenopausal women performed maximal isometric grip force production tasks with dominant and nondominant hands and both hands, respectively. For late postmenopausal women, pulse wave analysis was used for identifying a potential relationship between maximal hand-grip strength and risk factors of cardiovascular disease. The findings showed that late postmenopausal women produced significantly decreased maximal hand-grip strength in dominant and nondominant and bilateral hand conditions compared to those of premenopausal women. Bilateral deficit patterns appeared in late postmenopausal women. For late postmenopausal women, decreased dominant and bilateral hand-grip forces were significantly related to greater bilateral deficit patterns. Further, less maximal hand-grip strength in unilateral and bilateral hand conditions correlated with greater central pulse pressure. These findings suggested that age-related impairments in muscle strength and estrogen deficiency may interfere with conducting successful activities of bilateral movements. Further, assessing maximal dominant hand-grip strength may predict bilateral deficit patterns and risk of cardiovascular disease in late postmenopausal women.

Examining the impact of grip strength and officer gender on shooting performance

BackgroundEffective shooting performance relies heavily on sufficient grip strength. However, some standard issue pistols used by police services may have a trigger weight that causes problems for officers with insufficient grip strength, including female officers. The current study aimed to replicate previous findings, which show that grip strength is positively related to shooting performance. We also sought to determine what grip strength is required to achieve proficient scores on a standard police pistol qualification (PPQ) when a heavy trigger weight (i.e., 8lbs–12lbs) is used. Finally, we explored the relationship between officer gender and PPQ scores to determine if grip strength plays a mediating role in this relationship. MethodThe dominant hand grip strength (in lbs) of 86 male and 32 female officers were recorded prior to their participation in their agency mandated annual PPQ. Officer gender, grip strength, and PPQ scores were analyzed to explore how they related to one another. ResultsGrip strength significantly impacted officers’ ability to pass the PPQ, with female officers possessing lower grip strength compared to male officers, as well as achieving poorer scores on the PPQ. We determined that grip strengths in the range of 80lbs and 125lbs were needed to score approximately 85 % and 90 % on the PPQ, respectively; exceeding that of the average grip strength for the female officers in the study (M = 77.5lbs). Mediation analysis suggested that grip strength may mediate the relationship between officer gender and shooting performance, but studies with more power are needed to confirm that. ConclusionTo improve shooting performance as well as public and police safety, law enforcement agencies may need to consider including grip strength training in their conditioning regime or examine the adoption pistols with a lighter trigger pull weight (e.g., 6lbs).

Estimation Of 5 th (small) Digit’s Contribution To Grip Strength, Bicep Curls And Dead Hangs

There are many conditions that can affect the 5th (small) digit. However, there is limited data comparing dominant hand grip strength, pre and post injury. It has been shown that the 5th digit contributes 14% of total grip strength in handheld dynamometer (HHD) tests. However, the contribution of the 5th digit in activities like bicep curls and dead hangs is currently unknown. PURPOSE: To examine the 5th digit’s contribution to grip strength, bicep curls and dead hangs performance in healthy young adults. METHODS: 15 individuals (24.8 ± 2.8 years) participated in 1 session under 2 conditions: using 4 digits with digit-5 being taped into extension with 2 tongue depressors and athletic tape bilaterally and using all 5 digits. For each condition participants performed 3 tasks: grip strength using an HHD with their dominant hand, bicep curls to failure with their dominant hand using a dumbbell of 10% of their body weight, and dead hang to failure. They performed all 3 tasks for a condition, before moving to the next condition. Two-minute rest intervals were taken between tasks. One-tailed paired samples t-tests were used for grip strength and dead hang times, and a chi squared test was used for bicep curls reps. RESULTS: The grip strength, normalized by height, was significantly higher when using 5 digits (by 36.4%, p < 0.001). For bicep curls, 5-digit reps were significantly higher (by 14.1%; p < 0.05). For dead hang time, normalized by weight, 5-digit hang times were significantly longer (by 21.4%, p = 0.02). CONCLUSION: This study demonstrated an increase in performance of grip strength, bicep curls and dead hangs with the inclusion of the 5th digit; which is greater than its contribution of 14%. Additional studies need to be performed to see if bicep curls and dead hang time can be used to accurately predict grip strength.Table 1: Mean (SD) of Grip strength, bicep curls repetitions and dead hang times

Role of handgrip strength in predicting new-onset diabetes: findings from the survey of health, ageing and retirement in Europe

BackgroundDiabetes is a major concern for the global health burden. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between handgrip strength (HGS) and the risk of new-onset diabetes and to compare the predictive abilities between relative HGS and dominant HGS.MethodsThis longitudinal study used data from the Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe (SHARE), including 66,100 European participants aged 50 years or older free of diabetes at baseline. The Cox proportional hazard model was used to analyze the relationship between HGS and diabetes, and the Harrell’s C index, net reclassification index (NRI), and integrated discrimination improvement (IDI) were calculated to evaluate the predictive abilities of different HGS expressions.ResultsThere were 5,661 diabetes events occurred during follow-up. Compared with individuals with lowest quartiles, the hazard ratios (95 % confidence intervals) of the 2nd-4th quartiles were 0.88 (0.81–0.94), 0.82 (0.76–0.89) and 0.85 (0.78–0.93) for dominant HGS, and 0.95 (0.88–1.02), 0.82 (0.76–0.89) and 0.60 (0.54–0.67) for relative HGS. After adding dominant HGS to an office-based risk score (including age, gender, body mass index, smoking, and hypertension), the incremental values of the Harrell’s C index, NRI, IDI of relative HGS were all slightly higher than those of dominant HGS in both training and validation sets.ConclusionsOur findings supported that HGS was an independent predictor of new-onset diabetes in the middle-aged and older European population. Moreover, relative HGS exhibited a slightly higher predictive ability than dominant HGS.

Are Static and Dynamic Postural Balance Assessments Two Sides of the Same Coin? A Cross-Sectional Study in the Older Adults

The aim of this study was to investigate if the combination of static and dynamic postural balance assessments gives more accurate indications on balance performance among healthy older adults. We also aimed at studying the effect of a dual-task condition on static and dynamic postural balance control. Fifty-seven healthy older adults (age = 73.2 ± 5.0 year, height = 1.66 ± 0.08 m, and body mass = 72.8 ± 13.8 kg) completed the study. Static and dynamic balance were assessed both in single-task and dual-task conditions through a force plate and an oscillating platform. The dominant handgrip strength was also measured with a dynamometer. Pearson’s correlation revealed non-statistically significant correlations between static and dynamic balance performance. The dual-task worsened the balance performance more in the dynamic (+147.8%) than in the static (+25.10%, +43.45%, and +72.93% for ellipse area, sway path, and AP oscillations, respectively) condition (p < 0.001). A weak correlation was found between dynamic balance performance and handgrip strength both in the single (p < 0.05; r = −0.264) and dual (p < 0.05; r = −0.302) task condition. The absence of correlations between static and dynamic balance performance suggests including both static and dynamic balance tests in the assessment of postural balance alterations among older adults. Since cognitive-interference tasks exacerbated the degradation of the postural control performance, dual-task condition should also be considered in the postural balance assessment.