Age‐related reduction and independent predictors of toe flexor strength in middle‐aged men

Abstract

BackgroundToe flexor muscles play an important role in posture and locomotion, and poor toe flexor strength is a risk factor for falls. In this cross-sectional study, we estimated the age-related change in toe flexor strength and compared it with that of handgrip strength. Independent factors predicting toe flexor and handgrip strength were also determined.MethodsA total of 1401 male (aged 35–59 years) study participants were divided into five groups according to their chronological age; 35–39, 40–44, 45–49, 50–54, and 55–59 years. Toe flexor and handgrip strength, anthropometry, and resting blood pressure were measured. Fasting blood samples were collected to measure blood glucose, triglycerides, high- and low-density lipoprotein-cholesterols, and albumin. A self-administered lifestyle questionnaire was conducted.ResultsDecline in absolute toe flexor and handgrip strength began in the age groups 50–55 and 55–59 years, respectively. In comparison to the mean values of the youngest group, relative toe flexor strength (87.0 ± 26.6%) was significantly lower than handgrip strength (94.4 ± 13.1%) for the oldest group. Multiple regression analyses showed that independent factors predicting both toe flexor and handgrip strength were lean body mass, age, serum albumin, drinking habit, and fat mass. Additionally, fasting blood glucose, diastolic blood pressure, sleeping time and exercise habit were predicting factors of toe flexor strength but not of handgrip strength.ConclusionsAge-related reduction in toe flexor strength was earlier and greater than handgrip strength, and toe flexor strength reflects body composition and metabolic status.

Poor toe flexor strength, but not handgrip strength, is associated with the prevalence of diabetes mellitus in middle-aged males

“…A lower amount of physical activity is a risk factor for type-2 diabetes mellitus [36], and gait speed is associated with the prevalence of diabetes mellitus [22,37]. TFS is positively related to physical activity [20,38]. In conToe flexor strength and diabetes trast, compared with the strength of lower limbs, HGS is lower or not associated with the amount of physical activity [20,39].…”

“…Nevertheless, it is possible that poor TFS is associated with reduced skeletal muscle volume of the whole body, which represses energy expenditure and total insulin-dependent glucose metabolism. Indeed, TFS was positively related to the lean body mass [20]. In addition, skeletal muscle has an important role in the regulation of glucose/lipid metabolism of whole body via insulin-and contraction-induced signals [1].…”

“…Measurement of TFS is assumed to be a simple, safe and inexpensive method to evaluate muscular strength in the lower limbs, and may be useful for screening for health and aging-related problems. Previously, we found that TFS is inversely associated with the FBG level but that HGS is not [20]. It is likely that poor TFS is more closely associated with the prevalence of diabetes mellitus than HGS.…”

“…3364; Takei Scientific Instruments, Niigata, Japan) ( Fig. 1) as described previously [20]. After sufficient training trials, maximal TFS was measured twice.…”

“…Age-related reduction of TFS is earlier and in magnitude greater than HGS [20]. Measurement of TFS is assumed to be a simple, safe and inexpensive method to evaluate muscular strength in the…”