Association of Water Intake with Hand Grip Strength in Community-Dwelling Older Adults

Abstract

Although recent clinical studies have suggested that water intake enhances muscle mass, its impact on muscle strength remain unclear, especially in older adults. This cross-sectional, population-based study using a representative sample of Koreans investigated the relationship of water intake with hand grip strength (HGS) in 4443 older adults, including 2090 men aged ≥50 years and 2253 postmenopausal women. A digital grip strength dynamometer was used for HGS assessment. Low muscle strength was defined by the Korean-specific HGS cut-off value and adequate water intake was defined according to the Korean dietary reference intakes. In an unadjusted model, water intake was significantly higher in men and women without than with low muscle strength (both p < 0.001), but this difference disappeared after adjustment for confounding variables in both men (p = 0.050) and women (p = 0.245). Similarly, the correlation between water intake and HGS, the difference in HGS depending on adequate water intake status, and the risk of low muscle strength depending on water intake quartile were significant only in the unadjusted model. These data indicate that factors such as age, body size, and resistance exercise contribute to improvements in HGS in older adults, whereas water intake may not.

Water Intake and Handgrip Strength in US Adults: A Cross-Sectional Study Based on NHANES 2011–2014 Data

“…Therefore, maintaining and improving handgrip strength level is significant for preventing and delaying aging and improving health and wellbeing. Water intake is an important factor affecting muscle strength/mass; however, the current research on the relationship between water intake and handgrip strength level is still scarce, and there are inconsistent results present between studies [55]. Hyeonmok et al [55] found, in a cross-sectional study (based on the data of the Korean National Health and Nutrition Survey 2014-2015, including 1024 elderly people aged 65 and above), that HGS had a significant association with water intake in univariate analysis; however, when adjusting for age, BMI, strength training, and other covariates, the significant association disappeared, suggesting that water intake may not be the main factor affecting the handgrip strength of the elderly, but may be moderated by other factors such as age, body shape, and resistance training.…”

Physical activity and fiber intake beneficial for muscle mass and strength preservation during aging: A Comprehensive Cross-Sectional Study in the UK Biobank cohort

“…46 Previous studies support the importance of hydration for both muscle mass and strength, especially in older adults. 47 This age-based difference underscores the importance of individualized hydration strategies for optimal muscle strength.…”