Handgrip Strength Measurement Research Articles

Comparison of Sport Type on the Handgrip Strength Change in Young Athletes.

Whether or not an athlete plays with sports equipment in their hands may influence handgrip strength (HGS) changes during development, but longitudinal studies have not confirmed this. This study compared one-year HGS changes between two sports types (soccer vs. kendo) in children and adolescent athletes. One hundred sixty-eight young athletes (86 kendo boys and 82 soccer boys) had two HGS measurements separated by 1 year. A 2 (sports) by 2 (timepoints 1 and 2) repeated measures ANOVA was used to determine whether HGS changed differently between sports. There was no evidence for a sport × time interaction in HGS (p = 0.14); however, the mean difference and 95% CI were in the direction of favoring a greater change in kendo athletes [difference of 0.6 (95% CI: -0.2, 1.5) kg]. There was a main effect of time and sport. Kendo athletes had a 4.6 (95% CI: 1.8, 7.5) kg greater HGS than soccer athletes. There was no evidence that the change in HGS between sports depended on the initial age of the athlete (p = 0.205). Using sports equipment during play may positively affect HGS.

Effect of BOTELI practice frequency and hand grip strength on rally groundstroke forehand tennis skills in sports students: A two-way ANOVA analysis

Introduction. BOTELI is intended to train beginner tennis players in rally groundstrokes. BOTELI is different from a ball-throwing machine Study Aims. 1) To determine the effect of BOTELI practice frequency on rally groundstroke forehand tennis skills. 2) To evaluate the effect of BOTELI training and hand grip strength on rally groundstroke forehand tennis skill. 3) To examine the interaction effect between BOTELI practice frequency and hand grip strength on rally groundstroke forehand tennis skill. Materials and Methods. The research used an experimental method. The study sample was 48 sports students from Sebelas Maret University in 2024. The data collection involved using the Kem-Vincent rally tests to assess rally skills and a hand dynamometer to measure hand grip strength. The data analysis technique used a 2×2 factorial two-way ANOVA with a significance level of α = 0.05, using SPSS version 26 software for Windows. Results. The results showed that BOTELI practice frequency could improve forehand tennis rally groundstroke skills, with a value of (0.000 < α 0.05) and (F-count = 128.004 > F-table 4.06). Hand grip strength can improve rally groundstroke forehand tennis skills, with a value (0.000 < α 0.05) and (F-count = 83.505 > F-table 4.06). There was an interaction between BOTELI training frequency and hand grip strength in improving rally groundstroke forehand tennis skills, with a value of (0.000 < α 0.05) and (F-count = 9.278 > F-table 4.06). So, improving rally groundstroke forehand Tennis skills was influenced by the BOTELI frequency training and hand grip strength. Conclusions. This study showed that for beginner tennis players, the improvement of rally groundstroke forehand tennis skill can be effectively achieved using the BOTELI method. This method has been proven to be valid and reliable in rapidly improving rally groundstroke forehand tennis skill while providing an efficient, effective, and enjoyable exercise experience.

Muscle Mass and Muscle Strength in Non-Dialysis-Dependent Chronic Kidney Disease Patients.

Background: Sarcopenia is a state with a progressive and generalized loss of skeletal muscle mass and strength. However, muscle strength and muscle mass are different features, which are usually not studied separately. The aim of the study was to investigate anthropometric and clinical correlates and sources of variation in both skeletal muscle mass and muscle strength in chronic kidney disease (CKD). Methods: The study sample consisted of 84 patients with an estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) < 45 mL/min/1.73 m2. Muscle strength was estimated by measuring hand grip strength (HGS). Muscle quantity was measured with bioimpedance spectroscopy (BIS). Serum creatinine, urea, uric acid (UA), and albumin were measured as well. Results: Appendicular skeletal muscle mass (ASM) significantly and positively correlated with body mass, NH weight (normally hydrated weight), height, body mass index (BMI), lean tissue mass (LTM), lean tissue index (LTI), fat mass (FM), and fat tissue index (FTI), and was negatively associated with hydration status. HGS significantly and positively correlated with body mass, NH weight, height, LTM, LTI, and ASM, and was negatively associated with UA and urea. After adjustment for age, sex, and height, HGS remained significantly and negatively related with UA and hydration status. Conclusions: In CKD patients, ASM is determined by anthropometric parameters, but HGS is determined by both anthropometric and clinical variables specific for CKD. In order to study the determinants of HGS in CKD, relationships with HGS should be adjusted for anthropometric variables.

Identifying modifiable factors and their joint effect on frailty: a large population-based prospective cohort study.

A thorough understanding and identification of potential determinants leading to frailty are imperative for the development of targeted interventions aimed at its prevention or mitigation. We investigated the potential determinants of frailty in a cohort of 469,301 UK Biobank participants. The evaluation of frailty was performed using the Fried index, which encompasses measurements of handgrip strength, gait speed, levels of physical activity, unintentional weight loss, and self-reported exhaustion. EWAS including 276 factors were first conducted. Factors associated with frailty in EWAS were further combined to generate composite scores for different domains, and joint associations with frailty were evaluated in a multivariate logistic model. The potential impact on frailty when eliminating unfavorable profiles of risk domains was evaluated by PAFs. A total of 21,020 (4.4%) participants were considered frailty, 192,183 (41.0%) pre-frailty, and 256,098 (54.6%) robust. The largest EWAS identified 90 modifiable factors for frailty across ten domains, each of which independently increased the risk of frailty. Among these factors, 67 have the potential to negatively impact health, while 23 have been found to have a protective effect. When shifting all unfavorable profiles to intermediate and favorable ones, overall adjusted PAF for potentially modifiable frailty risk factors was 85.9%, which increases to 86.6% if all factors are transformed into favorable tertiles. Health and medical history, psychosocial factors, and physical activity were the most significant contributors, accounting for 11.9%, 10.4%, and 10.1% respectively. This study offers valuable insights for developing population-level strategies aimed at preventing frailty.

Joint associations of handgrip strength and physical activity with incident cardiovascular disease and overall mortality in the UK Biobank

Background & aimsQuestions remain whether higher handgrip strength confers additional health advantages beyond adherence to current physical activity guidelines. We aimed to evaluate prospective associations of joint objectively measured handgrip strength and physical activity with incident cardiovascular disease (CVD) and all-cause mortality. MethodsWe analysed the UK Biobank study in a cohort of participants who wore accelerometers for one week, with follow-up based on hospital records until 2022. Patterns of physical activity were compared: participants who met current moderate-vigorous physical activity guidelines (150 minutes per week) and those who did not. Handgrip strength was classified into sex- and age-specific tertiles. CVD events were identified as primary or secondary by examination of inpatient records and data extracted from the death registry. CVD-related deaths were also identified from the death registry. We examined prospective associations of moderate-vigorous physical activity with incident CVD and all-cause mortality by level of handgrip using Cox regressions, adjusted for confounding factors. ResultsA total of 76 074 persons were included (mean 55.2 years). Meeting physical activity guidelines is necessary to reduce all-cause mortality in those at the lower and middle thirds of handgrip strength. However, meeting physical activity guidelines did not confer additional reduction of all-cause mortality of those with high handgrip strength. Those with the lowest handgrip strength showed the greatest benefit from meeting physical activity guidelines for reducing all-cause mortality (HR 0.74; 95% CI 0.65-0.85). ConclusionOur results indicate that, while following physical activity guidelines does not reduce mortality in individuals with high handgrip strength, it is essential for preventing cardiovascular disease across all levels of handgrip strength. This underscores the importance of these guidelines for cardiovascular health.

Mathematical model for predicting handgrip strength in Quilombola children and adolescents: a cross-sectional study

Objective: To determine which variables have the ability to predict hand grip strength in Quilombola children and adolescents. Methods: We calculated the sample seeking an R2 between 0.1 and 0.2 for a single dependent variable (handgrip strength), with 6 predictor variables (age, body mass, stature, BMI, fat, and lean mass), alpha of 0.05 and beta of 0.80; and included children and adolescents between the ages of 6 and 17 (n=82). We measured handgrip strength using the Jamar dynamometer and built a model and evaluated the association between the predictor variables (i.e., independent, x-axis) and the outcome variable (i.e., dependent, y-axis [dynamometry]) by analysis of variance of mathematically adjusted models (F-value &gt;60, p &lt;0.05). Results: We noted an increasing gain in strength over the years, although between the ages of 11 and 12 and between 13 and 14, there was an apparent loss of strength on the part of Quilombola adolescents, passing from 18.75 to 16.12 and from 23.5 to 19.83, respectively. We observed that the variables age, stature, and lean mass contributed significantly (p &lt;0.05, β coefficient ranging from 3.050 to 3.844) to the performance of the built model (F [7.74] = 62.16, p &lt;0.001; R2 = 0.84). Conclusion: Age, stature, and lean mass significantly contribute to the performance of the built model. Namely, 84% of the variation in the mean handgrip strength may be explained by the independent variables. Therefore, the predicted handgrip strength, in kg, corresponds to: -29.530 + 1.103 + 0.196 + 0.011 × (age [years] + stature [cm] + lean mass [kg]).

Sarcopenia Prevalence in Liver Cirrhosis Patients Using MRI and Handgrip Strength Measurements

Background: Cirrhosis, a leading cause of mortality worldwide, is histologically represented as formation of regenerative nodules encircled by fibrous bands caused by chronic liver injury. Nutritional status in cirrhotic patients is challenging to assess due to fluid accumulation resulting from impaired protein synthesis. Factors such as reduced food intake, malabsorption, and altered macronutrient metabolism negatively impact the nutritional status, leading to sarcopenia. The development of sarcopenia is multifactorial and is linked to lower survival rates. Aim: To assess sarcopenia prevalence in liver cirrhosis patients using MRI and handgrip strength measurements. Discussion: Impaired food intake in liver cirrhosis results from a combination of factors including loss of appetite, hormonal changes, early satiety, ascites, nausea, taste disturbances, and functional dyspepsia. Malabsorption can also occur due to portosystemic shunting, reduced bile production, chronic pancreatitis, and small intestinal bacterial overgrowth, all of which contribute to sarcopenia. It also arises from complex interactions involving impaired glycogen synthesis, inadequate nutrition, disrupted skeletal muscle protein synthesis and underlying hypermetabolism. Conclusion: MRI-based assessments indicate there is a significant occurrence of sarcopenia in individuals with cirrhosis. Our findings reveal that handgrip strength, when correlated with MRI results, is a reliable predictor of sarcopenia in these patients.

Association of Nutritional Intake with Physical Activity and Handgrip Strength in Individuals with Airflow Limitation.

We investigated whether nutritional intake is associated with physical activity (PA) and handgrip strength (HGS) in individuals with airflow limitation. This study analyzed data from the 2014 to 2016 Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. We assessed total protein intake (g/day), caloric intake (kcal/day), and other nutritional intakes using a 24-hour dietary recall questionnaire. HGS was measured three times for each hand using a digital grip strength dynamometer, and PA was assessed as health-enhancing PA. Airflow limitation was defined as a forced expiratory volume/forced vital capacity ratio of 0.7 in individuals over 40 years of age. Participants were categorized into groups based on their PA levels and HGS measurements: active aerobic PA vs. non-active aerobic PA, and normal HGS vs. low HGS. Among the 622 individuals with airflow limitation, those involved in active aerobic PA and those with higher HGS had notably higher total food, calorie, water, protein, and lipid intake. The correlations between protein and caloric intake with HGS were strong (correlation coefficients = 0.344 and 0.346, respectively). The forest plots show that higher intakes of food, water, calories, protein, and lipids are positively associated with active aerobic PA, while higher intakes of these nutrients are inversely associated with low HGS. However, in the multivariate logistic regression analysis, no significant associations were observed between nutritional intake and active aerobic PA or HGS. Nutritional intake was not found to be an independent factor associated with PA and HGS. However, the observed correlations suggest potential indirect effects that warrant further investigation.

The Neighborhood Environment and Handgrip Strength: Longitudinal Findings From the Health and Retirement Study.

Muscle strength, as measured by handgrip strength (HGS), is associated with physical function and mortality. Yet the environmental context that influences muscle strength is poorly understood. We evaluated built and social neighborhood characteristics and their association with muscle strength over time. Using data from the Health and Retirement Study (2006-2018), linear mixed models assessed how 11 built and social neighborhood variables were associated with baseline levels and changes in HGS over time. Among the 20 045 respondents (mean age = 63 years, standard deviation = 9.7) with up to 4 HGS measures, 8455 were men and 11 590 were women. Among men, residing in a neighborhood with a 10% increment higher score on neighborhood disadvantage was associated with a ~1kg lower HGS at baseline (B = -0.96kg, 95% confidence interval [CI] = -1.39 to -0.53). Similarly, each 1-point increment on the physical disorder scale was associated with a -0.39kg lower (95% CI = -0.65 to -0.12) baseline HGS value. Among women, each 10% increment in neighborhood disadvantage was associated with a 0.29kg lower HGS at baseline (B = -0.29kg for each 10% increment, 95% CI = -0.46, -0.13). Each 1-unit increment in the number of neighborhood gyms at baseline was associated with a 0.50kg lower HGS (B = -0.50, 95% CI = -0.76 to -0.23). Each 1-point increment in physical disorder was associated with a -0.12kg lower (95% CI = -0.24 to -0.00) baseline HGS value. None of the neighborhood features were associated with the HGS rate of change. Findings suggest that residing in neighborhoods with greater disadvantages and physical disorders may pose challenges for HGS among middle-aged adults as they enter into older adulthood.

Relationship between fatigue and quantitative electromyography findings in patients with myasthenia gravis

BackgroundFatigue is a common complaint among patients with myasthenia gravis (MG). In this study, we investigated the alterations in muscle morphology in patients with MG experiencing fatigue using quantitative electromyography (QEMG), and explored the relationship between electrophysiological findings and the severity of both fatigue and disease. MethodsWe performed QEMG of the biceps brachii muscle using the peak ratio method and multi-motor unit potential (MUP) analysis across three groups: 18 MG patients with fatigue, 34 MG patients without fatigue, and 33 healthy subjects. Stimulated single-fiber EMG was performed on the frontalis muscle. The severity of perceived fatigue and disease was subsequently assessed using the quantitative myasthenia gravis (QMG) score, the MG-activities of daily living (MG-ADL) profile, self-reported fatigue questionnaires, and handgrip strength measurements. ResultsThe QEMG study revealed a reduced mean MUP duration and size index (SI), in addition to an increased peak ratio in patients with MG (p < 0.05), which tended to be more pronounced in those experiencing fatigue. Compared to healthy subjects, MG patients with fatigue displayed a myopathic pattern characterised by a high peak ratio, short duration, and small-amplitude MUPs, without any increase in the number of phases or small time intervals. The mean peak ratio was positively correlated with the QMG, MG-ADL, and Fatigue Impact Scale total and physical subscores (p < 0.05). Further, MG patients with fatigue exhibited reduced maximum grip strength, which was positively correlated with the mean MUP duration, amplitude, SI, and thickness, and negatively correlated with the mean peak ratio (p < 0.05). No significant differences were observed in the jitter or block measurements (p > 0.05). ConclusionsThe present study investigated electrophysiological findings that were not considered or theorised in prior studies on patients with MG experiencing fatigue. The results of this study suggest that myopathic changes may be a critical pathophysiological component underlying the fatigue associated with MG.

Evaluating Respiratory Muscle Strength in Sarcopenia Screening among Older Men in South Korea: A Retrospective Analysis.

To evaluate the potential of incorporating respiratory muscle strength, specifically maximal inspiratory pressure (MIP), and maximal expiratory pressure (MEP), along with traditional sarcopenia screening measures such as hand grip strength (HGS) and skeletal muscle mass index (SMI), to identify sarcopenia in older men. A retrospective analysis was conducted involving male patients aged 65 years and older who underwent measurements of respiratory muscle strength, HGS, and muscle mass at a general hospital in Korea from July 2016 to May 2022. Statistical analysis utilized independent t-tests and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves to assess the sensitivity and specificity of MIP, MEP, HGS, and SMI in sarcopenia screening. The cut-off values for sarcopenia screening were determined based on the area under the ROC curve (AUC). The analysis of 282 study participants revealed the following cut-off values for sarcopenia based on the AUC: for MIP, the cut-off value was 65.50 cmH2O (AUC=0.70, sensitivity: 0.63, specificity: 0.61), while for MEP, it was 84.50 cmH2O (AUC=0.74, sensitivity: 0.66, specificity: 0.68). This study showed the utility of respiratory muscle strength in screening for sarcopenia among older men. We suggest the screening cut-off values as 65.50 cmH2O for MIP and 84.50 cmH2O for MEP. Even when HGS and SMI measurements are not feasible, sarcopenia can be reasonably predicted based on respiratory muscle strength.

Malnutrition Risk Screening and Dietitian Intervention within an Integrated Care Team for Older Persons

Abstract Background Malnutrition in older adults increases the risk of frailty. Nutritional interventions can improve frailty. A Senior Dietitian joined our Integrated Care for Older Persons Community Specialist Team (ICPOP-CST) in 2022. Our Complete Geriatric Assessment (CGA) form was redesigned in early 2023 which included the Malnutrition Screening Tool (MST). We commenced measuring handgrip strength (HGS) in late 2023. We measured the prevalence of malnutrition risk among our patients, audited MST use and explored dietetic service provision. Methods Data from the first 101 patients with a completed (new) CGA form were obtained from the service’s electronic patient database. Patients with a MST score of 0 or 1 were considered to be at low risk of malnutrition and those with a MST score of 2 or more were considered to be at risk of malnutrition. Results The mean age was 84.8±5.3 years and 65% were female. Malnutrition risk was identified in 39 (38.6%) patients. The MST was completed for 96 (95%) patients and completed correctly in 67 (69.8%). The total score was not summed in 26 out of 29 incorrectly completed screening tools (89.7%). Half (51, 50.5%) of the group of older adults received dietetic assessment and intervention. High protein, high calorie advice was provided for 38 (74.5%) of those seen by the ICPOP dietitian and for 29 (93.5 %) of those at risk of malnutrition. Onward referral to primary care dietitians was made for 14 (27.5%) of those seen by the ICPOP dietitian. HGS measurement was performed in 20 patients - 15 (75.0%) were identified to have probable sarcopenia – 11 (73.3%) of these were at risk of malnutrition. All received dietetic intervention in relation to protein and sarcopenia. Conclusion Malnutrition risk and probable sarcopenia are common among older adults referred to our ICPOP-CST team. The MST screening tool is practical and identifies those requiring dietetic intervention.

Predictors Of Handgrip Strength And Its Relationship To Physical Performance In Older Irish Adults

Abstract Background Handgrip strength declines with age and predicts poor physical performance and increased risk of falls and mortality. However, the strength of the relationship between handgrip strength and other physical measures is less well studied. We aimed to explore the predictors of handgrip strength in older Irish adults and its relationship to the Timed and Up and Go (TUG). Methods Study participants were from a longitudinal cohort of Irish adults aged &amp;gt;60 years; Trinity Ulster University Department of Agriculture (TUDA) study. Participants on current or long-term steroids, a history of stroke and with MMSE &amp;lt;24 were excluded. Handgrip strength was assessed with a dynamometer and defined as &amp;lt;27 kg for males and &amp;lt;16 kg for females. Abnormal performance in the TUG was defined as &amp;gt;12 seconds. Predictors of impaired handgrip were explored in multivariate logistic regression. Results There were 748 participants (68.9% female, mean age 70.2 years), of whom 33.4% had abnormal handgrip strength, which was more common in female’s vs males (39.4 vs 20.2%, p&amp;lt;0.001). Both abnormal handgrip strength and TUG was present in 13.6%. Normal handgrip strength had a negative predictive value of 76.0% for ruling out poor TUG, while abnormal handgrip had a positive predictive value of 62% for poor TUG. Predictors of impaired handgrip strength were older age (P&amp;lt;0.0001), female sex (p&amp;lt;0.0001), lower protein intake (P=0.024) and higher waist hip ratio (p=0.014). Conclusion Handgrip strength had a modest correlation with TUG A significant proportion had abnormal TUG but normal handgrip. Changes in lower limb muscle strength (affecting TUG) precede muscle loss in the upper limb. Higher protein intake predicted greater grip strength and supports the recommendation to maintain adequate intakes to prevent sarcopenia. Greater waist hip ratio is associated with reduced lean muscle mass which may explain the negative relationship we identified with handgrip strength.

Handgrip Strength and Dehydroepiandrosterone Sulfate in a Frailty Unit: A Retrospective Study.

Frailty is characterized by vulnerability and decline in physical, mental, and social activity, significantly contributing to adverse health outcomes. Frailty encompasses nutritional status, muscle strength, inflammation, and hormones. Dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS) is one of the hormones hypothesized to play a role in frailty. Handgrip strength (HGS) correlates with overall muscle strength. The fatigue, resistance, ambulation, illnesses, and loss of weight(FRAIL) scale can be used to readily screen frailty. Identifying markers associated with frailty can facilitate its early diagnosis, risk stratification, and target interventions to prevent or mitigate its negative consequences. This study sought to evaluate the associations between frailty, HGS, and DHEAS in a Portuguese frailty unit (FU). We developed an observational retrospective study in an FU. Patients admitted to the FU underwent a rehabilitation program. We assessed frailty with the FRAIL scale. We assayed DHEAS upon admission to the FU. We measured HGS at admission (i-HGS) and discharge (f-HGS). We also considered HGS variation (∆ HGS) and length of stay. Out of 119 subjects, 97 fulfilled the eligibility criteria (mean age 78.35 ± 9.58 years; 44.33% men). Overall, 88 (90.72%) patients had a FRAIL scale score of 3 or more. DHEAS values were not significantly different in either the categories of the FRAIL scale or frailty status. DHEAS values were also not significantly correlated with either i-HGS, f-HGS, ∆ HGS, age, or FU length of stay. Frail patients had a significantly lower i-HGS (p = 0.002) and f-HGS (p = 0.001) and a significantly higher length of stay (p = 0.006). Also, the i-HGS and f-HGS significantly decreased with the increase of the FRAIL scale score (p < 0.0001 for both). The cut-off values of the i-HGS and the f-HGS for detecting frail patients in our study were 13.3 kg and 19.1 kg, respectively (p < 0.0001 for both). The i-HGS was significantly and independently associated with the frailty status of frail (p = 0.001), with a 15% probability reduction of a patient being frail for every kilogram increase in the i-HGS. Frail patients assessed with the FRAIL scale had a significantly lower i-HGS and f-HGS and a higher length of stay. In this study, we found frailty and DHEAS to be not associated and DHEAS values to be not correlated with i-HGS or f-HGS. In our opinion, the creation of an FU with an initial FRAIL scale screening and HGS measurement might have a significant impact on identifying frail people and ensuring the implementation of a multimodal multidisciplinary approach.

Handgrip Evaluation Before and After Pulmonary Rehabilitation Therapy in Patients With Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD).

Introduction Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a systemic disease characterized by skeletal muscle dysfunction, leading to increased morbidity and mortality and deteriorating quality of life. Pulmonary rehabilitation therapy improves symptoms and long-term adherence. This study aimed to evaluate how COPD patients respond to pulmonary rehabilitation therapy and its correlation with handgrip strength measurements. Materials and methods A prospective cohort study was conducted in patients over 45 years old with a spirometric diagnosis of COPD from a specialized reference center in Bucaramanga. Handgrip strength was measured before and after completing the pulmonary rehabilitation program. Patients with neurological or cognitive impairments, decompensated cardiovascular disease, nutritional diseases, or those in a telerehabilitation program were excluded. Results Seventy-one patients were included in the study, with 66.2% completing follow-up after the program. The average age was 73.38 years (SD ±7.77), 53.52% were women, and 60.56% had a history of smoking. After the follow-up, the average handgrip strength delta was 1.64 kg (SD ±3.48) p<0.001, 74.47% of them representing a positive result after pulmonary rehabilitation program. A higher Charlson index correlated with a positive delta, while a negative delta correlated with a lower Charlson index (p=0.01). A positive handgrip strength delta was associated with higher baseline quality of life scores. Conclusions Periodic handgrip strength measurements predict frailty and muscle dysfunction in COPD patients. Pulmonary rehabilitation therapy isa simple and cost-effective intervention that correlates with the improvement of indirect prognosis and survival indicators.

Validity and Reliability of Modified Sphygmomanometer Versus Jamar Dynamometer in Measuring Hand Grip Strength for Patients with Distal Radius Fractures

Validity and Reliability of Modified Sphygmomanometer Versus Jamar Dynamometer in Measuring Hand Grip Strength for Patients with Distal Radius Fractures

Prevalence and factors associated with probable sarcopenia in southern Brazil: a population-based study.

There are few studies on probable sarcopenia in rural areas. This study aims to assess prevalence of probable sarcopenia and its associated factors in older adults living in the rural area of a municipality in southern Brazil. This cross-sectional study assessed data from the second wave of the EpiRural Cohort Study. Structured questionnaires, handgrip strength, gait speed, and anthropometric measurements were collected from 651 older adults. The criteria from the European Working Group on Sarcopenia in Older People 2 were used in this study. Chi-square test and logistic regression with robust variance were performed. Prevalence of probable sarcopenia was 19.2% (95% confidence interval (CI): 16.3-25.2%). Male sex (prevalence ratio (PR) 1.61; 95%CI 1.17-2.21), age &ge;80 years (PR 4.15; 95%CI 2.65-6.50), underweight (PR 1.90; 95%CI 1.23-2.93), diabetes mellitus (PR 1.80; 95%CI 1.20-2.73), and hospitalization in the past year (PR 2.00; 95%CI 1.36-2.91) were significantly associated with probable sarcopenia. One in five rural older adults have probable sarcopenia. Older adults living in rural areas need frequent measurements of muscle strength, and greater investments should be made to minimize the physical disability caused by sarcopenia among this population.

Validating the Use of Sphygmomanometer for Measuring Hand Grip Strength and Its Association with Functional Dependency in Older Females

Validating the Use of Sphygmomanometer for Measuring Hand Grip Strength and Its Association with Functional Dependency in Older Females

The Association between Anthropometric Measurements and Body Composition with Hand Grip Strength among the Elderly Population in Indonesia.

Background/Objectives: Hand grip strength (HGS) is a crucial measure for evaluating muscle function and general physical ability, and it may be associated with several diseases. Previous studies have demonstrated inconsistent associations between anthropometric measurement and body composition with HGS. This study aims to investigate the association between anthropometric measurement and body composition with HGS in the elderly population residing in Indonesia. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study on older adults aged between 60 and 82 years who live in the community. Anthropometric parameters assessed in this study comprised the body mass index (BMI), mid-upper arm circumference (MUAC), calf circumference (CC), and waist circumference (WC). Subsequently, body composition measurements, including fat mass (FM), fat-free mass (FFM), muscle mass (MM), skeletal muscle mass (SMM), and the appendicular skeletal mass index (ASMI), were assessed using a body composition analyzer. Last, the measurement of HGS was conducted using a hand dynamometer. Results: A total of 109 participants were involved in this study. Our study demonstrates a significant association between anthropometric parameters, namely CC and HGS. Subsequently, several body composition parameters, including FFM, SMM, ASMI, and MM in the four extremities, are also significantly associated with HGS. However, in a multivariate analysis, only CC and FFM were able to significantly predict HGS. Conclusions: Improving CC and maintaining FFM may enhance muscle strength in older adults. This suggests that targeted exercise and nutrition programs could increase muscle mass and strength, thereby mitigating age-related decline and improving quality of life.

2332 Feasibility and utility of introducing handgrip strength measurement for outpatients living with Parkinson's disease

Abstract Background Patients living with Parkinson’s disease (PD) who are sarcopenic are at significantly higher risk of falling (Cai et al., Frontiers in Neurology,2021,12,598,035). Handgrip strength is a useful tool to assess for sarcopenia but is not commonly measured in clinical practice, despite the consequences that sarcopenia poses. This study aims to incorporate handgrip strength into the assessment of outpatients living with PD. Secondary objectives are to increase the understanding of whether exercise is associated with increased handgrip strength and to implement interventions for patients who are identified as sarcopenic; to improve their health outcomes. Methods Questionnaires were designed to gather quantitative data about patients’ demographics, how frequently they fall, disease severity and their weekly exercise. These were given to patients attending the movement disorders clinic at Crawley hospital, between February and October 2023. Patients without a diagnosis of PD were excluded. Their grip strength was measured using a standardised technique with a calibrated manometer. Data was input to Microsoft Excel and analysed using Spearman’s rank and Kruskal-Wallis test. Results Handgrip strength was obtained for 125 of 271 patients (46%) attending clinic over this period. Initially healthcare workers took 9.2 minutes to complete the questionnaire, but this improved to 4.3 minutes after updating the form. Sixteen patients were excluded, leaving 51 females and 58 males; both with a mean age of 80. Grip strength reduced with PD severity when adjusted for gender; this was significant in males (H = 51.9, p = 0.00) but not females (H = 4.8,p = 0.31). Grip strength was weakly correlated with exercise, although not significant (r2 = 0.15,p = 0.15) but did not appear to be related to frequency of falls (r2 = 0.01,p = 0.92). Conclusions Handgrip measurement can be successfully implemented into outpatient assessment. Handgrip strength could be used to monitor the effect of lifestyle change in individuals. Limitations include self-reporting bias; which activities each individual classifies as exercise.