Association of Grip Strength with obesity & cortisol; Possible indicators of biological ageing

Abstract

Background: Cortisol has a positive correlation with obesity, which indicates a relation between obesity and cortisol. Furthermore, there are increased chances of demolished muscle strength up to two times with elevated levels of cortisol. Thus, the aim of the study was to assess the impact of increased cortisol levels on the grip strength and to determine that the grip strength is a possible indicator for accelerated biological ageing. Methodology: This cross-sectional, purposive sampling study was conducted in Karachi, Pakistan. Overall 412 were recruited to participate in the study, the data for age, gender, BMI, grip strength, and cortisol was collected from the participants. The age-wise correlates of hand grip strength were assessed using Multiple linear regression analysis and the mean decline in the grip strength with advancing age is displayed. Results: The mean grip strength of the overall population was 30.75±14.35. It was observed that there was a negative significant correlation between the age and the grip strength (F = 3.57; r=-0.27; p=0.007) i.e. with increasing age a gradual decrease in the grip strength was observed. BMI (Obesity) was also significantly associated with grip strength (p=0.000). Moreover, females were more likely to have weak muscle strength as compared to males (p=0.000). However, no significant association was observed among the grip strength, socioeconomic status & longevity in any of the studied age groups (p>0.05). While a significant correlation was found between grip strength and obesity as well as between obesity and cortisol. Conclusion: Thus it can be concluded that obese individuals had increased chances of accelerated biological ageing due to an increase in cortisol, and a weakened grip strength is an indicator of it.

Normative Reference Standard for Handgrip Strength among Adolescent Students in South Punjab Pakistan: A Cross-Sectional Study

“…The average value of hand grip strength in current study is 31.81 ± 14. 85 kg while, another Pakistani study's hand grip strength outcome was 30.75± 14.35 kg which is in congruence with the current findings (Mirza et al, 2020).…”

“…A study also concluded that value of the mean of the handgrip strength was significantly marked in boys than girls (Jawaria, 2018). A research study conducted in city of Karachi, Pakistan concluded that the muscle strength as well as hand grip strength was low in females as compared to males (Mirza et al, 2020). A study of Pakistani population in as well as Columbian are also in congruence and also showed that hand grip strength in females is lower than males, this also demonstrates that low females have low muscle strength as compared to males regardless of age specification (Jawaria, 2018, Ramírez-Vélez et al, 2015.…”

“…It is observed that cardiac patients have a decrease in muscle strength and in turn decreased handgrip strength. Hand grip strength of the dominant hand is found less in cardiac patients when compared with normal individuals of the same age (Mirza et al, 2020). Thus handgrip strength demonstrates starring role in determining the health status of any individual as well (Musalek et al, 2017).…”

“…Physical activity has been found a resistance against obesity and in prevention of several other diseases (Lavie et al, 2019). There is an important correspondence between level of physical activity as well as BMI with the hand grip strength of adolescents that has been stated in studies (Mirza et al, 2020, Tahir et al, 2021. Physical activity has a positive effect in increasing hand grip strength and effect of BMI on hand grip strength too (Mirza et al, 2020, Tahir et al, 2021, Rafique et al, 2014.…”

“…Individuals having BMI greater than 25 have increased risk of developing various diseases. hand grip strength is now considered as a valid indicator of accelerating aging process in humans because obese persons have high cortisol (aging hormone) that cause them to have a low muscle strength and that is indicated by a decrease in hand grip strength (Mirza et al, 2020). Physical activity has been found a resistance against obesity and in prevention of several other diseases (Lavie et al, 2019).…”