Association Between Handgrip Strength, TNF-αlpha Levels and the Presence of Chronic Diseases Among the Elderly

Abstract

Background: There is a rapid surge in the elderly population globally and in Ghana. Ageing is frequently associated with the emergence of some chronic diseases due to a decline in physiological and physical functions. Early detection of chronic diseases or possible risk factors of disease development is critical in reducing mortality and morbidity among the elderly. This study, therefore, sought to explore the relationship between the inflammatory cytokine-tumour necrosis factor (TNF-α), handgrip strength and the presence of chronic diseases among the elderly population seeking medical care from a hospital in Ghana. Methods: This was a hospital-based cross-sectional study carried out among individuals 60 years or above. A total of 104 persons who met the inclusion criteria and consented were enrolled on the study. Handgrip strength was measured using a digital hand dynamometer and plasma TNF-α levels were determined using sandwich ELISA. Data on demographics and chronic disease conditions were collected from participants using a standardized questionnaire and from the participant’s hospital folder. Results: The study recruited 104 participants, of which 53% were females and 47% were males. The median age (median (IQR)) was 65 (62–71) years. Again, of the total participants, 63.5% had at least one chronic disease while 36.5% had no chronic disease. Whereas 12.5% of participants had low handgrip strength, 87.5% had normal hand grip strength. There was no significant association between disease status and low handgrip strength (p = 0.709). However, there was a significant association between disease status and increased plasma levels of TNF-α among participants of the study (p = 0.0435). There was also a significant association between low handgrip strength and increased plasma levels of TNF-α among participants of the study (p = 0.0001). Conclusion: In conclusion, the present study observed that low hand grip strength is significantly associated with high circulating TNF-α levels which is also associated with increased presence of chronic disease among the elderly. Low handgrip strength may not independently represent an increased risk of developing chronic diseases.