Handgrip Strength as a Darwinian Fitness Indicator in Men.
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ABSTRACT:
SUBMITTER: Gallup AC
PROVIDER: S-EPMC5898311 | biostudies-literature | 2018
REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature
Publications
Handgrip Strength as a Darwinian Fitness Indicator in Men.
Gallup Andrew C AC Fink Bernhard B
Frontiers in psychology 20180406
Handgrip strength (HGS) is a robust measure of overall muscular strength and function, and has long been predictive of a multitude of health factors and physical outcomes for both men and women. The fact that HGS represents such a ubiquitous measure of health and vitality may reflect the significance of this trait during human evolution. This trait is also highly sexually dimorphic due to influences of androgenic hormones and fat-free body mass, suggesting that it has been further elaborated thr ...[more]
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Project description:BackgroundTelomere attrition has been proposed as a hallmark of aging. We previously reported on the association between blood leukocyte telomere length (LTL) at midlife and risk of chronic diseases and mortality.MethodsIn this study, we investigated the effect of midlife LTL and genetic proxies on 5 markers of aging outcomes, namely handgrip strength, timed up-and-go (TUG), Singapore-modified Mini-Mental State Examination (SM-MMSE) scores, anxiety, and depression indices, measured after a median 20-year follow-up in the Singapore Chinese Health Study (N = 9581).ResultsWe observed a significant association between midlife LTL and handgrip strength later in life (p = .004, padjust = .020), as well as a nominal significant association between midlife LTL and TUG later in life (p = .036, padjust = .180). The weighted Genetic Risk Score (wGRS) comprising 15 previously reported LTL reducing loci in East Asians was not significantly associated with handgrip strength. However, results from Structural Equation Modeling showed that the effect of this wGRS on handgrip strength was mediated through LTL (proportion of wGRS effect on handgrip strength mediated through LTL = 33.3%, p = .010).ConclusionsLonger midlife LTL was associated with increased handgrip strength later in life.
| S-EPMC7756687 | biostudies-literature
Project description:ObjectivesHandgrip strength (HS) is a risk factor of all-cause mortality and cardiovascular diseases. However, the influencing factors and mechanisms contributing to this correlation remain unclear. Therefore, we aimed to explore factors related to HS and investigated the mechanism underlying its risk predictive value.MethodsThis was a prospective, cross-sectional study. One hundred forty-five participants were recruited from December 2019 to November 2020. HS was measured using a hydraulic hand dynamometer and adjusted for body mass index (HSBMI) and body surface area (HSBSA). Body composition was assessed via bioimpedance spectroscopy. Physical fitness was measured using a cardiopulmonary exercise test system. Univariate, multiple linear regression analyses and receiver operator characteristic curve (ROC) were conducted to evaluate the associations between various participant characteristics and HS.ResultsThe average participant age was 21.68 ± 2.61 years (42.8% were male). We found positive correlations between HSBMI/HSBSA and VO2max, VEmax, Loadmax, and METmax in both sexes (p < 0.05). Lean-tissue, protein, total water, and inorganic salt percentages were positively correlated, and fat percentage was negatively correlated with HSBMI in men and with HSBMI and HSBSA in women (p < 0.05). Multiple regression revealed that VO2max was independently associated with HSBSA in both sexes (β = 0.215, 0.173; 95%confidence interval [CI] = 0.032 - 0.398, 0.026-0.321; p = 0.022, 0.022, respectively) and independently associated with HSBMI in women (β = 0.016, 95%CI = 0.004 - 0.029, p = 0.011). ROC analysis showed that HSBMI and HSBSA can moderately identify normal VO2max in men (area under curve [AUC] = 0.754, 0.769; p = 0.002, 0.001, respectively) and marginally identify normal VO2max in women (AUC = 0.643, 0.635; p = 0.029, 0.042, respectively).ConclusionsBMI- and BSA-adjusted HS could serve as indicators of physical health, and HSBSA may moderately reflect cardiorespiratory fitness levels in healthy young adults, particularly in males. Clinical trials registry site and number: China Clinical Trial Center (ChiCTR1900028228).
| S-EPMC8084643 | biostudies-literature
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| S-EPMC9809492 | biostudies-literature
Project description:This study aimed to determine the potential association between handgrip strength and nutritional quality in Korean men aged ≥20 years using data from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2016 to 2018. This population-based cross-sectional study included 5,748 men aged ≥20 years. A dietary intake survey was performed using the 24-hr dietary recall method. Nutritional quality was examined using the Index of Nutritional Quality (INQ) score. A high INQ score reflected poor nutritional quality, with insufficient intake of many nutrients. Multivariate linear regression was used to determine the association between handgrip strength and INQ scores after adjusting for other covariates. The intake of carbohydrates, fiber, calcium, and vitamins B2 and C was significantly positively associated with a higher quartile for handgrip strength for those aged ≥65 years (all p < .01). A significant inverse association was found between the quartiles of handgrip strength and INQ scores among men aged ≥65 years after adjusting for all covariates (β = -0.26, p < .01). This association was not found among those aged <65 years (p = .25). The age-specific association between handgrip strength and nutritional quality underscores the importance of public policies that promote sufficient and comprehensive nutrient intake among older adults. Handgrip strength may be useful in clinical practice as a simple and cost-effective tool for screening for nutritional quality in older adults.
| S-EPMC8646794 | biostudies-literature
Project description:IntroductionLow aerobic fitness, low muscular strength, and obesity have been associated with premature mortality, but their interactive effects are unknown. This study examined interactions among these common, modifiable factors, to help inform more-effective preventive interventions.MethodsThis national cohort study included all 1,547,478 military conscripts in Sweden during 1969-1997 (97%-98% of all men aged 18 years each year). Aerobic fitness, muscular strength, and BMI measurements were examined in relation to all-cause and cardiovascular mortality through 2012 (maximum age, 62 years). Data were collected/analyzed in 2015-2016.ResultsLow aerobic fitness, low muscular strength, and obesity at age 18 years were independently associated with higher all-cause and cardiovascular mortality in adulthood. The combination of low aerobic fitness and muscular strength (lowest versus highest tertiles) was associated with twofold all-cause mortality (adjusted hazard ratio=2.01; 95% CI=1.93, 2.08; p<0.001; mortality rates per 100,000 person years, 247.2 vs 73.8), and 2.6-fold cardiovascular mortality (2.63; 95% CI=2.38, 2.91; p<0.001; 43.9 vs 8.3). These factors also had positive additive and multiplicative interactions in relation to all-cause mortality (their combined effect exceeded the sum or product of their separate effects; p<0.001), and were associated with higher mortality even among men with normal BMI.ConclusionsLow aerobic fitness, low muscular strength, and obesity at age 18 years were associated with increased mortality in adulthood, with interactive effects between aerobic fitness and muscular strength. Preventive interventions should begin early in life and include both aerobic fitness and muscular strength, even among those with normal BMI.
| S-EPMC5428895 | biostudies-literature
Project description:ObjectivesRecent studies have suggested that assessing handgrip strength (HGS) asymmetry together with HGS may be helpful for evaluating problems in geriatric patients. This study aimed to identify whether HGS asymmetry, weakness, or both were associated with depression in Korean older adults.MethodsThis study included 4274 subjects from the sixth and seventh Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Depression was measured using the Patient Health Questionnaire-9. The maximum HGS of the dominant hand was used as a representative value. HGS symmetry was categorized by the ratio of the HGS of the dominant hand to that of non-dominant hand. The odds ratio (OR) for depression was calculated according to the HGS and its symmetry.ResultsIn total, 240 (12.5%) men and 534 (22.7%) women had depression. HGS or HGS asymmetry showed no statistically significant associations with depression in elderly men. Elevated odds of depression were observed in elderly women with low HGS (OR, 1.93; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.33 to 2.81) or prominent HGS asymmetry (OR, 1.46; 95% CI, 1.02 to 2.08). There was a positive additive interaction between asymmetric HGS and weakness, as women with low and prominently asymmetric HGS showed higher odds of depression (OR, 3.77; 95% CI, 2.16 to 6.59) than women with high and symmetric HGS.ConclusionsDepression in elderly Korean women was associated with both low and asymmetric HGS. Our findings support the potential value of HGS asymmetry as an indicator of HGS.
| S-EPMC7939759 | biostudies-literature
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| S-EPMC9886698 | biostudies-literature
Project description:ImportanceHigh physical fitness is associated with a reduction in risk of cardiovascular diseases and death, but the underlying mechanisms are insufficiently understood.ObjectiveTo determine how aerobic fitness and muscular strength are associated with serum metabolome measures.Design, setting, and participantsThis cross-sectional study included Finnish men receiving military refresher training from May 5, 2015, to November 28, 2015, representing partly overlapping groups of individuals with the lowest vs highest aerobic fitness and the lowest vs highest muscular strength. Data analyses were conducted from January 1, 2018, to May 31, 2019.Main outcomes and measuresThe associations of aerobic fitness (determined with maximum oxygen consumption in milliliters per minute per kilogram, measured with maximal cycle ergometer test) and muscular strength (determined with a maximal strength test for lower extremities in kilograms) with 66 metabolome measures from fasting serum samples (nuclear magnetic resonance-based metabolomics) were analyzed.ResultsParticipants included 580 Finnish men (mean [SD] age, 26.1 [6.5] years). Including overlap between groups, there were 196 men in the lowest aerobic fitness group and 197 men in the highest aerobic fitness group as well as 196 men in the lowest muscular strength group and 197 men in the highest muscular strength group. Of 66 studied metabolome measures, 48 differed between high vs low aerobic fitness groups, including small very low-density lipoprotein (standardized median difference, -0.67; 95% CI, -0.83 to -0.49), large high-density lipoprotein (standardized median difference, 0.89; 95% CI, 0.69-1.15), total triglyceride levels (standardized median difference, -0.52; 95% CI, -0.65 to -0.34), isoleucine (standardized median difference, -0.37; 95% CI, -0.55 to -0.16), leucine (standardized median difference, -0.55; 95% CI, -0.72 to -0.34), phenylalanine (standardized median difference, -0.54; 95% CI, -0.71 to -0.32), glycerol (standardized median difference, -0.64; 95% CI, -0.81 to -0.48), and glycoprotein (standardized median difference, -0.78; 95% CI, -0.95 to -0.62) concentration, a high unsaturation degree of fatty acids (standardized median difference, 0.59; 95% CI, 0.42-0.81), and apolipoprotein B to apolipoprotein A1 ratio (standardized median difference, -0.88; 95% CI, -1.08 to -0.67). Adding aerobic fitness into the regression model after age, education, smoking, use of alcohol, and dietary factors accounted for more than an additional 5% of variation for 25 metabolome measures (R2 range, 5.01%-15.90% by measure). With these 2 criteria, maximal muscular strength was not associated with any metabolome measures. Aerobic fitness was associated with high large high-density lipoprotein particle concentration (R2, 14.97%; 95% CI, 10.65%-20.85%), low apolipoprotein B to apolipoprotein A1 ratio (R2, 14.49%; 95% CI, 10.58%-19.51%), and low glycoprotein concentration (R2, 15.90%; 95% CI, 11.22%-21.51%). Aerobic fitness was also associated with low very low-density lipoprotein, triglyceride, isoleucine, leucine, phenylalanine, glycerol, and glycoprotein concentrations and with a high unsaturation degree of fatty acids. Adjusting for recent physical activity influenced the results minimally. Adjusting for body fat percentage showed that some of the associations were mechanistically associated with body fat percentage.Conclusions and relevanceThis study provides data on the association of high aerobic fitness with underlying oxidative lipid metabolism associated with a reduction in cardiometabolic risk. High maximal muscular strength is not similarly associated with these benefits.
| S-EPMC6714035 | biostudies-literature
Project description:BackgroundEvaluating asymmetries in muscle function could provide important insights for fall risk assessments. We sought to determine the associations of (i) handgrip strength (HGS) asymmetry and (ii) leg extension power (LEP) asymmetry on risk of incident recurrent falls and fractures in older men.MethodThere were 5 730 men with HGS asymmetry data and 5 347 men with LEP asymmetry data from the Osteoporotic Fractures in Men (MrOS) study. A handgrip dynamometer measured HGS and a Nottingham Power Rig ascertained LEP. Percent difference in maximal HGS between hands was calculated, and asymmetric HGS was defined as men in the highest quartile of dissimilarity for HGS between hands. The same approach was used to determine asymmetric LEP. Participants self-reported falls every 4 months after the baseline exam, and persons with ≥2 falls in the first year were considered recurrent fallers. Fractures and their dates of occurrence were self-reported and confirmed with radiographic reports.ResultsOlder men in the highest HGS asymmetry quartile had a 1.20 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.01-1.43) relative risk for incident recurrent falls. Likewise, men in the highest HGS asymmetry quartile had a higher risk for incident fractures: 1.41 (CI: 1.02-1.96) for hip, 1.28 (CI: 1.04-1.58) for major osteoporotic, and 1.24 (CI: 1.06-1.45) for nonspine. There were no significant associations between LEP asymmetry and recurrent falls or fractures.ConclusionsAsymmetric HGS could be a novel risk factor for falls and fractures that is more feasible to measure than LEP. Fall risk assessments should consider evaluating muscle function, including HGS asymmetry.
| S-EPMC8499308 | biostudies-literature
Project description:BACKGROUND:muscle strength measured as handgrip strength declines with increasing age and predicts mortality. While handgrip strength is determined by lifestyle through nutrition and physical activity, it has almost exclusively been studied in western populations with a sedentary lifestyle. This study aims to investigate the relation between handgrip strength, ageing and mortality in a population characterised by a predominance of malnutrition and manual labour. DESIGN:a population-based longitudinal study. SETTING:a traditional African rural population in Ghana. SUBJECTS:nine hundred and twenty-three community-dwelling individuals aged 50 and older. METHODS:demographic characteristics were registered. At baseline, height, body mass index (BMI) and handgrip strength were measured and compared with those in a western reference population. Survival of the participants was documented during a period of up to 2 years. RESULTS:handgrip strength was dependent on age, sex, height and BMI. Compared with the western reference population, handgrip strength was lower due to a lower height and BMI but declined over age similarly. Risk of mortality was lower in participants having higher handgrip strength, with a hazard ratio of 0.94 per kg increase (P = 0.002). After adjustment for age, sex, tribe, socio-economic status, drinking water source, height and BMI, only handgrip strength remained predictive of mortality. CONCLUSION:in a traditional rural African population characterised by malnutrition and manual labour, handgrip strength declines over age and independently predicts mortality similar to western populations. Handgrip strength can be used as a universal marker of ageing.
| S-EPMC4411221 | biostudies-literature