Relative Handgrip Strength Research Articles

Comparison between grip strength and relative grip strength in their relationship with allostatic load among adolescents

PurposeTo assess the associations of muscle strength, measure by grip strength and relative grip strength (grip strength divided by body weight), on the allostatic load (AL) index in adolescent boys and girls.MethodsA total of 1,323 students were recruited (boys = 776, girls = 547). Data on general demographic characteristics, anthropometric indicators, grip strength, blood pressure, pulse rate, and biological samples were collected. A 20-indicator-based AL index (using the AL1, AL2, and AL3 calculation methods) was used as the dependent variable. Multiple linear regression models were used to evaluate the association between grip strength, relative grip strength, and AL. All analyses were stratified by sex.ResultsThe mean age of the participants was 14.17 ± 1.45 years. Overall, the linear regression model adjusting for demografic characteristics showed that greater grip strength was associated with higher AL1 scores (R2 = 10.1%, β = 0.096, P < 0.001). Then, we further adjusted for body weight, and negative associations were observed between grip strength and AL1 (R2 = 35.3%, β = -0.027, P = 0.030). However, after sex stratification, this association was not statistically significant in girls. Moreover, relative grip strength was negatively associated with AL1 (R2 = 14.8%, β = -8.529, P < 0.001) after adjusting for demographic characteristics in the total sample. Specifically, relative grip strength was more strongly associated with the AL1 burden in boys than in girls. Finally, sensitivity analyses of AL2 and AL3 yielded similar results.ConclusionWe observed that compared with grip strength, relative grip strength might be a useful indicator for the identification of AL burden in adolescents. The results suggest that strengthening relative handgrip strength in adolescents might help reduce the AL burden, especially in boys.

Weight-Specific Grip Strength as a Novel Indicator Associated with Cardiometabolic Risk in Children: The EMSNGS Study.

Handgrip strength (HGS) is an important indicator of sarcopenia and adverse health outcomes. However, evaluating HGS in children presents challenges, and its association with metabolism remains incompletely understood. To establish grip strength reference values for Chinese children and adolescents, as well as to evaluate the relationship between HGS and cardiometabolic risk. Data were collected from 4 072 participants aged 6-18 as part of the Evaluation and Monitoring on School-based Nutrition and Growth in Shenzhen (EMSNGS) study. HGS was measured, and relative HGS (RHGS) was normalized by body mass index. Age- or weight-specific HGS and RHGS were derived using the generalized additive model of location, scale, and shape (GAMLSS) model, and participants' values were categorized into quartiles, defining low strength as the lowest quartile. The cardiometabolic risk index (CMRI) z-score was calculated, with high risk defined as a z-score of ≥ 1. Both boys and girls exhibited similar increases in age- and weight-specific grip strength. Low grip strength, classified by weight-specific HGS and RHGS, was linked to higher CMRI z-scores compared to classifications based on age-specific references in both sexes. A dose-dependent relationship was observed between weight-specific grip strength and cardiometabolic risk, particularly in boys. Compared to the middle category (P25th-P75th), the odds ratios for high cardiometabolic risks associated with low grip strength increased in both sexes. This study established grip strength reference values for Chinese youth, introduced the concept of weight-specific HGS and RHGS, and demonstrated a dose-dependent relationship between weight-specific grip strength and cardiometabolic risk. These findings highlighted the association between low muscle strength and increased cardiometabolic risk.

Association Between Dynapenia, Central Obesity, and Physical Function in Young Adults: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Muscle strength is recognized as a key indicator of overall health and can help identify the risk of cardiometabolic disease. This study explores the relationship between low muscle strength, central obesity, and physical function among young adults. We conducted a cross-sectional study from a convenience sample of 513 adults aged 18-25. Participants' anthropometric measures such as height, weight, and circumferences of both waist and hip were measured, and body mass index (BMI) was calculated. Subjects were tested for hand grip strength (HGS) using hand dynamometry. Relative hand grip strength (RHGS) was derived by dividing maximum HGS by BMI. Physical function was assessed using a six-minute walk test. The International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) was administered. Overweight and obesity were present in 313 (61%) of the study population. Central obesity was observed in 194 (37.8%) of the population. RHGS showed a positive association with physical function and physical activity, and a negative association was observed with BMI and waist circumference. Low RHGS was categorized as < 25th percentile by gender. The non-dynapenic non-central obese group had higher physical function (644± 124.2) than others. There was no difference in the dynapenic and central obese groups. The dynapenic central obese group had significantly lesser physical function (424.9±69.1) than all other groups in both genders. Our study supports the importance of early investigation of dynapenia, which can increase the risk of chronic disease and accelerate the development of physical limitations. Understanding how dynapenia and central obesity relate to low physical function is of growing importance in young adults, and it can play an important role in overall health.

One-year changes in body composition and musculoskeletal health following metabolic/bariatric surgery.

There are limited comparative studies between one anastomosis gastric bypass (OAGB) versus Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) and sleeve gastrectomy (SG) on body composition and musculoskeletal health. To compare changes in body composition, areal bone mineral density (aBMD), muscle strength, and physical function in the first year following OAGB, RYGB and SG within a UK-based healthcare setting. This is a secondary analysis of the BARI-LIFESTYLE trial in 119 adults (77% women; mean±SD, age: 45.9±10.3 years; BMI: 43.6±5.5 kg/m2) who underwent OAGB (n=19), RYGB (n=39) and SG (n=61). Body composition and aBMD by dual energy x-ray absorptiometry, handgrip strength, sit-to-stand (STS) test and 6-minute walking test (6MWT) were assessed pre-surgery and at 12 months post-surgery. OAGB, RYGB, and SG exhibited similar reductions in body weight, body fat and lean mass (within-group comparisons, p<0.001). All surgery types were associated with reductions in aBMD at the total hip, femoral neck, and lumbar spine, which were more pronounced after OAGB and RYGB compared to SG (all p<0.03), though no difference between OAGB and RYGB. Despite reductions in absolute handgrip strength, relative handgrip strength, STS test and 6MWT improved post-surgery (all p<0.02), with no differences by surgical procedure. OAGB, RYGB, and SG resulted in comparable weight loss, changes in body composition and improvements in relative muscle strength and physical function. OAGB and RYGB, compared with SG, led to greater BMD reductions at clinically relevant sites. Future long-term studies should explore whether these BMD reductions translate into a greater fracture risk.

Specific Considerations in the Interpretation of the Relationship between Relative Handgrip Strength and Lipid Profile in Type 2 Diabetes

Specific Considerations in the Interpretation of the Relationship between Relative Handgrip Strength and Lipid Profile in Type 2 Diabetes

Relative Handgrip Strength Positively Correlates with Low-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol Level in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes: A Cross-Sectional Study

Relative Handgrip Strength Positively Correlates with Low-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol Level in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes: A Cross-Sectional Study

The offsetting relationship between hand grip strength and hypertension: A cross-sectional study from physically disabled over 50 years old in China.

To explore the relationship between hand grip strength (HGS) and blood pressure in physically disabled individuals over 50 years old. The research adopts a cross-sectional survey, and the data comes from the "2022-2023 Physical Health Monitoring and Scientific and Technological Services for Physical Disabilities" jointly carried out by Beijing Sport University and China Disabled Sports Management Center. Select physically disabled individuals over 50 years old and collect physical fitness measurement data. HGS was measured and adjusted based on body weight and waist circumference, with standard normal conversion. The relationship between HGS and blood pressure was analyzed using multiple linear regression, and further logistic regression was used to analyze the relationship between standard HGS and the risk of abnormal blood pressure. 695 disabled individuals participated in the experiment, including 402 males (57.84%) and 293 females (42.16%). Multiple linear regression analysis found that for each standard deviation increase in the standardized Z-value of relative HGS, the systolic and diastolic blood pressure of male individuals decreased by 2.391 mmHg (P = 0.008) and 1.229 mmHg (P = 0.025); decreased by 2.336 mmHg (P = 0.026) and 1.585 mmHg (P = 0.008), respectively, for female. The increase in HGS reduced the risk of hypertension in physical disabilities in males [OR = 0.820 95%CIs (0.670, 0.952)] (P = 0.003) and females [OR = 0.735 95%CIs (0.472, 0.986)] (P = 0.007). The HGS of middle-aged and elderly physically disabled individuals negatively correlates with blood pressure, indicating the importance of increasing muscle strength (HGS) in preventing blood pressure.

Using the Relative Handgrip Strength in Identification of the Under-Aged of Female Gender Candidates Exposed at Risk in Developing of Sarcopenic Obesity

Using the Relative Handgrip Strength in Identification of the Under-Aged of Female Gender Candidates Exposed at Risk in Developing of Sarcopenic Obesity

Is inflammation a missing link between relative handgrip strength with hyperlipidemia? Evidence from a large population-based study

BackgroundRelative handgrip strength (RHGS) was positively correlated with healthy levels of cardiovascular markers and negatively correlated with metabolic disease risk. However, its association with hyperlipidemia remains unknown. The present study investigated the link between RHGS and hyperlipidemia, utilizing data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) and further examined the hypothesis that inflammation may serve a mediating role within this relationship.MethodsData were extracted from 4610 participants in the NHANES database spanning 2011–2014 to explore the correlation between RHGS and hyperlipidemia using multivariate logistic regression models. Subgroup analyses were conducted to discern the correlation between RHGS and hyperlipidemia across diverse populations. Additionally, smooth curve fitting and threshold effect analysis were conducted to validate the association between RHGS and hyperlipidemia. Furthermore, the potential mediating effect of inflammation on this association was also explored.ResultsAccording to the fully adjusted model, RHGS was negatively correlated with hyperlipidemia [odds ratio (OR) = 0.575, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.515 to 0.643], which was consistently significant across all populations, notably among women. Smooth curve fitting and threshold effect analysis substantiated the negative association between RHGS and hyperlipidemia. Moreover, the mediating effects analysis indicated the white blood cell (WBC) count, neutrophil (Neu) count, and lymphocyte (Lym) count played roles as the mediators, with mediation ratios of 7.0%, 4.3%, and 5.0%, respectively.ConclusionsThis study identified a prominent negative correlation between RHGS and hyperlipidemia. Elevated RHGS may serve as a protective factor against hyperlipidemia, potentially through mechanisms underlying the modulation of inflammatory processes.

Sex differences of the association between handgrip strength and health-related quality of life among patients with cancer

The purpose of this study is to investigate the association between handgrip strength (HGS) and health-related quality of life (HRQoL), demonstrating HGS as an effective indicator for evaluating HRQoL of patients with cancer. Analyzing 1657 Korean adult cancer patients (644 males, 1013 females) aged ≥ 20 years from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2014–2019), HGS was standardized based on body mass index and categorized by sex. HRQoL was assessed using the Euro Quality of Life-5-Dimension 3-Level version (EQ-5D-3L) Index. Lower relative HGS was associated with decreased HRQoL in female patients, while no significant association was found in male patients. The lowest quartile of relative HGS exhibited a 2.5-fold decrease in HRQoL compared to the highest quartile (OR 2.50, 95% CI 1.59–3.95, p < 0.001). Both male and female patients with cancer were affected by age, subjective health perception, and stress recognition regarding HRQoL. This study suggests that HGS may be associated with the HRQoL of female patients with cancer, emphasizing that the HGS measurement can be effectively utilized as a pivotal tool for evaluating HRQoL in female patients with cancer.

Association of relative hand grip strength with myocardial infarction and angina pectoris in the Korean population: a large-scale cross-sectional study

BackgroundLow hand grip strength (HGS) is associated with the risk of cardiovascular diseases, but the association between HGS and myocardial infarction/angina pectoris (MIAP) is unclear. Furthermore, there have been no studies examining the associations of MIAP with anthropometric indices, absolute HGS indices, and relative HGS indices calculated by dividing absolute HGS values by body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), waist-to-height ratio (WHtR), or weight values. Therefore, the objective of this study was to examine the associations of MIAP with absolute and relative HGS combined with several anthropometric indices.MethodsIn this large-scale cross-sectional study, a total of 12,963 subjects from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey were included. Odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals for the associations of MIAP with anthropometric indices, absolute HGS indices, and relative HGS indices were computed from binary logistic regression models. We built 3 models: a crude model, a model that was adjusted for age (Model 1), and a model that was adjusted for other relevant covariates (Model 2).ResultsFor men, the average age was 61.55 ± 0.16 years in the MIAP group and 66.49 ± 0.61 years in the non-MIAP group. For women, the average age was 61.99 ± 0.14 years in the MIAP group and 70.48 ± 0.61 years in the non-MIAP group. For both sexes, the MIAP group had lower diastolic blood pressure, shorter stature, greater WC, and a greater WHtR than did the non-MIAP group, and women tended to have greater systolic blood pressure, weight, and BMI than in men. HGS was strongly associated with the risk of MIAP in the Korean population. In men, relative HGS indices combined with WC and the WHtR had greater associations with MIAP than did the anthropometric indices and absolute HGS indices. However, in women, anthropometric indices, including weight, BMI, WC, and WHtR, were more strongly associated with MIAP than were absolute and relative HGS indices, unlike in men. When comparing absolute and relative HGS indices in women, relative HGS indices combined with BMI and weight was more strongly related to MIAP than was absolute HGS indices.ConclusionsMIAP might be better identified by relative HGS than absolute HGS in both sexes. The overall magnitudes of the associations of MIAP with absolute and relative HGS are greater in men than in women.

Associations of muscle mass and strength with new-onset diabetes among middle-aged and older adults: evidence from the China health and retirement longitudinal study (CHARLS).

The associations of muscle mass and strength with new-onset Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) remain controversial. We aimed to longitudinally evaluate muscle mass and strength in predicting T2DM among Chinese middle-aged and older adults. We enrolled 6033 participants aged ≥ 45years from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS), a cohort survey, between 2011 and 2012. The appendicular skeletal muscle mass (normalized by weight, ASM/BW%), relative hand grip strength (normalized by weight, HGS/BW), and five-repetition chair stand test (5CST). were all categorized into tertiles (lowest, middle, and highest groups) at baseline, respectively. Individuals were followed up until the occurrence of diabetes or the end of CHARLS 2018, whichever happened first. Cox proportional hazards models to calculate hazard ratios with 95% confidence intervals (CI) and mediation analysis were used. During follow-up, 815 (13.5%) participants developed T2DM. After adjusting for covariates, lower ASW/BW% was not associated with a higher risk of diabetes. Compared with individuals in the highest tertile of HGS/BW, those in the lowest tertile had 1.296 (95%CI 1.073-1.567) higher risk of diabetes. Compared with individuals in the lowest tertile of 5CST, those in the highest tertile had 1.329 times (95%CI 1.106-1.596) higher risk of diabetes. Bysubgroup,both the lowest HGS/BW and highest 5CST were risk factors for diabetes among obesity. The mediation analysis revealed that the effect of HGS/BW on therisk of diabetes is mainly mediated by insulin resistance. Lower muscle strength is associated withan increased risk of diabetes, especially in obese populations.

Relative handgrip strength as a vitality measure in US stroke survivors

Purpose Stroke is a leading cause of long-term disability in the US, yet a feasible assessment measure with predictive value for components of the International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health (ICF) Core Set for Stroke is lacking. The purpose of the present study was to explore the predictive value of potential assessment measures on factors within each ICF component in stroke survivors. Materials and Methods Demographic, anthropometric, blood-based biomarker, physical functioning, and Global Physical Activity Questionnaire data were collected on stroke survivors in the 2011–2018 NHANES cycles. Potential predictors (handgrip strength relative to weight, age, sex, race, education level, marital status, poverty ratio, stroke chronicity) of physical function, activities of daily living (ADLs), participation in social activities, metabolic syndrome, and meeting physical activity recommendations were evaluated using weighted linear and ordinal logistic regression. Results Relative handgrip strength was a significant predictor of physical function, difficulty participating in ADLs and social activities, and odds of meeting physical activity recommendations. As relative handgrip strength increased, these factors improved among stroke survivors. Conclusions To decrease disability rates and optimize function among stroke survivors, the use of assessment measures like relative handgrip strength that may predict multiple ICF components is warranted.

Association between handgrip strength and metabolic syndrome in relation to gender and adiposity among middle aged and older Saudi populations

Aim This cross-sectional study investigated the association between metabolic syndrome (MetS) and handgrip strength (HGS) with respect to sex and adiposity in Saudi men (n = 287) and women (n = 268). Material and methods Anthropometry, body composition, HGS, and blood biochemistry were measured. The average age of the study population was 57.65 ± 9.3 years (men = 55.1 ± 9.3 years, women = 60.4 ± 9.3 years). We report that HGS/body mass index (BMI), HGS/weight, and HGS/fat (%) were significantly higher in controls than in patients with MetS in men but not in women. According to the ROC analysis, relative HGS (RHGS) was higher than HGS alone in the association with MetS, which was significant for men (p < 0.01). At lower quartiles of HGS, the probability of MetS was higher in women, and the same was found in men in the lower quartiles of HGS/%Fat. Multinomial regression revealed significant associations between age and adiposity and MetS in men and HGS in women. Additionally, the linear regression of age, HGS, and weight exhibited significant associations between HGS with WC in both sexes. Conclusion A higher risk of MetS in the lower quartiles of HGS was found in women, and adiposity moderated the relationship between HGS and MetS in men.

Glyphosate exposure, muscular health and functional limitations in middle-aged and older adults

BackgroundGlyphosate is the most widely used herbicide worldwide, both in domestic and industrial settings. Experimental research in animal models has demonstrated changes in muscle physiology and reduced contractile strength associated with glyphosate exposure, while epidemiological studies have shown associations between glyphosate exposure and adverse health outcomes in critical biological systems affecting muscle function. MethodsThis study used data from a nationally representative survey of the non-institutionalized U.S. general population (NHANES, n = 2132). Urine glyphosate concentrations were determined by ion chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry. Hand grip strength (HGS) was measured using a Takei Dynamometer, and relative strength estimated as the ratio between HGS in the dominant hand and the appendicular lean mass (ALM) to body mass index (ALMBMI) ratio. Low HGS and low relative HGS were defined as 1 sex-, age- and race-specific SD below the mean. Physical function limitations were identified as significant difficulty or incapacity in various activities. ResultsIn fully-adjusted models, the Mean Differences (MD) and 95% confidence intervals [95%CI] per doubling increase in glyphosate concentrations were −0.55 [-1.09, −0.01] kg for HGS in the dominant hand, and −0.90 [-1.58. −0.21] kg for HGS/ALMBMI. The Odds Ratios (OR) [95% CI] for low HGS, low relative HGS and functional limitations by glyphosate concentrations were 1.27 [1.03, 1.57] for low HGS; 1.43 [1.05; 1.94] for low relative HGS; 1.33 [1.08, 1.63] for stooping, crouching or kneeling difficulty; 1.17 [0.91, 1.50] for lifting or carrying items weighting up to 10 pounds difficulty; 1.21 [1.01, 1.40] for standing up from armless chair difficulty; and 1.47 [1.05, 2.29] for ascending ten steps without pause difficulty. ConclusionsGlyphosate exposure may be a risk factor for decreased grip strength and increased physical functional limitations. More studies investigating the influence of this and other environmental pollutants on functional aging are needed.

Prediction model of health-related quality of life in older adults according to gender using a decision tree model: a study based on the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey

Purpose: The aim of this study was to predict the subgroups vulnerable to poorer health-related quality of life (HRQoL) according to gender in older adults.Methods: Data from 5,553 Koreans aged 65 or older were extracted from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. HRQoL was assessed using the EQ-5D tool. Complex sample analysis and decision-tree analysis were conducted using SPSS for Windows version 27.0.Results: The mean scores of the EQ-5D index were 0.93 ± 0.00 in men and 0.88 ± 0.00 in women. In men, poorer HRQoL groups were identified with seven different pathways, which were categorized based on participants’ characteristics, such as restriction of activity, perceived health status, muscle exercise, age, relative hand grip strength, suicidal ideation, the number of chronic diseases, body mass index, and income status. Restriction of activity was the most significant predictor of poorer HRQoL in elderly men. In women, the poorer HRQoL groups were identified with nine different pathways, which were categorized based on participants’ characteristics, such as perceived health status, restriction of activity, age, education, unmet medical service needs, anemia, body mass index, relative hand grip, and aerobic exercise. Perceived health status was the most significant predictor of poorer HRQoL in elderly women.Conclusion: This study presents a predictive model of HRQoL in older adults according to gender and can be used to detect individuals at risk of poorer HRQoL.

Relationship between Eating Alone and Handgrip Strength in Korean Older Adults.

Sarcopenia is defined as an age-related decline in muscle mass, muscle strength, and physical performance. Eating alone has been linked to various health issues in older adults. This study investigated the relationship between eating alone and handgrip strength (HGS) in older adults using data from 7278 individuals (≥65 years) who participated in the 2014-2019 Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. HGS was measured using a digital grip strength dynamometer, relative HGS was calculated by dividing HGS by body mass index, and dynapenia was defined as an HGS < 28 kg for men and <18 kg for women. Multivariable logistic regression analysis showed that women who ate two meals alone were more likely to exhibit dynapenia than those who never ate alone (odds ratio [OR], 1.3; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.03-1.77). If the groups that never ate alone or ate one meal alone were combined as the reference group, the probability of dynapenia was higher in the combined groups that ate two or three meals alone (OR, 1.25; 95% CI, 1.04-1.50). No association was observed between eating alone and dynapenia in men. This suggests that eating alone is a modifiable related factor of dynapenia in older women.

Musculoskeletal fitness: relative handgrip strength and vertical jump power from 10 to 18 years old

BackgroundThere is an increasing consensus on the relevance of musculoskeletal fitness for health throughout the life cycle, requiring evaluation approaches and description of results capable of characterizing different age groups and body sizes. This study aimed to describe the musculoskeletal fitness of young Portuguese people aged 10–18 through handgrip strength (HGS) and vertical jump power (VJP) and investigate differences between the sexes.MethodsThe sample included 736 participants (359 girls recruited from schools. HGS (kg) was assessed using a handheld dynamometer, and VJP (W) was assessed using a force platform; both measurements were standardized for body mass.ResultsHigher HGS and VJP were observed in boys than in girls from 13 years old (13 years: p ≤ 0.05; 14–18 years: p ≤ 0.001), with no significant differences before this age. The percentile distributions of HGS and VJP are described for each sex using the lambda, mu, sigma (LMS) method. The pattern of development of these variables as a function of age is presented.ConclusionsHandgrip strength and vertical jump power show differences between the sexes from 13 years of age and similar trajectories to populations in other countries in the same age group.

Relationship between Handgrip Strength and Incident Diabetes in Korean Adults According to Gender: A Population-Based Prospective Cohort Study.

(1) Background: Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a well-known disease that causes comorbidities such as chronic kidney disease (CKD) and cardiovascular disease. Therefore, it is necessary to develop diagnostic tools to prevent DM. Handgrip strength, a known diagnostic tool for sarcopenia, is a predictor of several diseases. However, the value of handgrip strength as an indicator of incident DM in Asian populations remains unknown. This study aimed to identify the relationship between handgrip strength and incidence of DM in Korean adults according to sex. (2) Methods: A total of 173,195 participants registered in a nationwide cohort were included in this study. After applying the exclusion criteria, 33,326 participants remained. DM occurred in 1473 individuals during the follow-up period (mean follow-up period, 4.1 years). To reduce the impact of body size, the study population was subdivided into quartiles of relative handgrip strength, defined as absolute handgrip strength divided by body mass index. Multivariate Cox regression analysis revealed that the relative handgrip strength was inversely associated with new-onset DM. (3) Results: Compared with the lowest quartile (Q1), the hazard ratios (HRs) [95% confidence intervals (CIs)] for new-onset DM for the highest quartiles (Q4) was 0.60 (0.43-0.84) in men and 0.72 (0.52-0.99) in women after adjusting for confounding factors. The incidence of DM decreased with the increase in the relative handgrip strength. These inverse relationships were statistically more significant in men than in women. (4) Conclusions: This novel study revealed that relative handgrip strength is related to incident DM in both men and women. Relative handgrip strength can be used as a practical tool to prevent DM. Regular measurement of handgrip strength can be used to detect DM.

Association between relative grip strength and depression among U.S. middle-aged and older adults: results from the NHANES database.

Mental health issues among middle-aged and older adults are gaining increasing attention. Recent studies have shown that relative grip strength is associated with cardiovascular diseases and various cancers, but its relationship with depression remains unclear. This cross-sectional study included data from adults aged 50 years and older from the 2011-2014 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Relative grip strength is calculated by dividing the maximum absolute grip strength of both hands by BMI. The Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) was used to evaluate the depressive outcome. Multivariate logistic regression was performed to assess the association between relative grip strength and depression. In this study, a total of 3,639 participants (≥50 years) with a mean age of 64.3 ± 9.3 years were enrolled, of whom 48.9% were male. Compared with individuals with lower relative handgrip strength in Q1 (≤1.64 kg/BMI), the adjusted OR values for relative handgrip strength and depression in Q2 (1.64-2.17 kg/BMI), Q3 (2.17-2.84 kg/BMI), and Q4 (≥2.84 kg/BMI) were 0.69 (95% CI: 0.51, 0.93, p = 0.016), 0.36 (95% CI: 0.24, 0.55, p < 0.001), and 0.32 (95% CI: 0.20, 0.51, p < 0.001), respectively. The relationship between relative grip strength and depression presented an L-shaped curve (nonlinear, p = 0.006), with an inflection point of roughly 2.98 kg/BMI. Among participants with relative grip strength < 2.98 kg/BMI, the OR of incident depression was 0.41 (95% CI: 0.30-0.55, p < 0.001). Our findings indicated that relative grip strength was inversely associated with incident depression and demonstrated an L-shaped relationship among U.S. middle-aged and older adults. Relative grip strength could be the indicator for future screening of mental health.