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Birth weight and muscle strength: a systematic review and meta-analysis
R Dodds1, H J Denison, G Ntani
1School of Medicine, University of Southampton, UK. rd@mrc.soton.ac.uk
The Journal of Nutrition, Health & Aging
|July 28, 2012
Summary
Higher birth weight is linked to greater muscle strength throughout life. This association suggests early life factors significantly impact lifelong physical health and muscle development.
Area of Science:
- Human Physiology
- Developmental Biology
- Gerontology
Background:
- Reduced muscle strength in later life is linked to adverse health outcomes.
- Adult factors like body size and activity explain only part of muscle strength variation.
- Intrauterine development, indicated by birth weight, may play a crucial role.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review and meta-analyze the association between birth weight and subsequent muscle strength.
- To assess the strength and consistency of this relationship across the lifespan.
Main Methods:
- Systematic review and meta-analysis of 19 relevant studies.
- Included studies assessed the link between birth weight and muscle strength.
- Meta-analysis synthesized data from 13 studies with 20,481 participants.
Main Results:
- 17 of 19 studies found a positive association between higher birth weight and greater muscle strength.
- Meta-analysis revealed a 0.86 kg increase in muscle strength per additional kilogram of birth weight.
- This association was adjusted for age, gender, and height at strength measurement.
Conclusions:
- Consistent evidence supports a positive association between birth weight and muscle strength across the lifecourse.
- Biological mechanisms require further investigation.
- Early life interventions may benefit lifelong muscle strength maintenance.
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