Allometric normalization of handgrip strength in older adults: Which body size parameter is the most appropriate?

Abstract

Background Although absolute handgrip strength has been associated with health-related outcomes in older adults, little evidence has been provided regarding its adjustment by a variety of body size dimensions. Therefore, the main purpose of the study was to establish the most appropriate normalization of handgrip strength by different body size parameters in a large sample of noninstitutionalized older adults. Methods In this cross-sectional study, we enrolled 643 men and women aged > 60, who were part of the rehabilitation center facility program. Handgrip strength was objectively measured using a Jamar Plus* + Digital Hand Dynamometer. Body size parameters included body weight and height, body mass index, waist circumference, waist-to-height ratio, fat mass and fat-free mass. The most appropriate parameter associated with handgrip strength was identified using allometry. Results Findings showed that the most appropriate body size parameter for handgrip strength normalization was height (allometric exponent: 0.85), compared to fat-free mass (0.26) and body mass (0.12). Other body size variables were not significantly associated with handgrip strength and were omitted from further analyses. The correlations between normalized handgrip strength were significant when handgrip strength was normalized by body mass and fat-free mass, while no significant correlations were found, when handgrip strength was normalized by body height. Conclusion Based on the study results, body height seems to be the best body size parameter for handgrip strength normalization in older adults, omitting the influence of body size on strength performance. If handgrip strength is measured, body height may help normalize strength for large-scale research.

Peripheral Skeletal Muscle Alterations in Adults Born Preterm: An Observational Comparative Study

“…The absolute maximal grip strength out of all six trials was also reported (15,16). Values are reported as kilograms (kg) and normalized to height (m) (17). For knee extensor strength, an instrumented dynamometer (EasyForce, Meloq AB, Sweden) was fixed from the table to the ankle of the dominant and non-dominant legs with the knee and hip flexed at 90 degrees with participants seated.…”

Quantifying Hand Strength and Isometric Pinch Individuation Using a Flexible Pressure Sensor Grid

“…Many research labs and clinics use digital dynamometers to quantify the total force exerted by the hand during a trial of maximum voluntary contraction (MVC) as an objective adjunct to MMT for hand strength [23,24]. However, this technique is a gross assessment that does not detect subtle deficits in hand function [25][26][27]. Moreover, there is no commercially available digital dynamometer designed to measure dexterous modulation of individual finger strength, which is a core component of tasks required for daily living [1,2,[28][29][30][31][32][33].…”