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Normalizing handgrip strength in older adults: An allometric approach
Geraldo A Maranhao Neto1, Aldair J Oliveira1, Rodrigo Cunha de Melo Pedreiro1
1Physical Activity Sciences Graduate Program, Salgado de Oliveira University (UNIVERSO), Zip Code: 24030-060, Niterói, RJ, Brazil; Laboratory of Social Dimensions Applied to Physical Activity and Sport (LABSAFE), Department of Physical Education and Sport, Rio de Janeiro Rural Federal University, Zip Code: 23.897-000, Seropédica, Brazil.
Body height is the best variable for normalizing handgrip strength (HGS) in older adults. This normalization method effectively removes body size effects, improving health intervention assessments.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Human Physiology
- Biostatistics
Background:
- Handgrip strength (HGS) is a key indicator of health in older adults.
- Allometric normalization is standard for adjusting HGS for body size.
- Optimal body size variable for HGS normalization remains debated.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare body mass, fat-free mass, and body height for allometric normalization of HGS.
- To identify the most effective body size variable for HGS assessment in older adults.
Main Methods:
- Utilized data from 263 older adults (60-87 years) from an Elderly Care Center.
- Calculated allometric exponents for HGS normalization using body mass, fat-free mass, and body height.
- Assessed correlations between normalized HGS and body size variables.
Main Results:
- Allometric exponents were determined: body mass (0.31), fat-free mass (0.11), and body height (0.46).
- Normalized HGS showed significant correlations with body mass and fat-free mass.
- No significant correlations were found when HGS was normalized by body height.
Conclusions:
- Body height is the most suitable variable for allometric normalization of HGS in older adults.
- This finding aids in refining health assessments and interventions for the elderly.
