Reference values for hand grip strength in the South Korean population

Area of Science:

• Gerontology and Public Health
• Human Physiology
• Biostatistics

Background:

• Establishing normative data for hand grip strength (HGS) is crucial for assessing muscle function and identifying potential health risks.
• Previous research has indicated that anthropometric factors significantly influence HGS, but population-specific reference values are needed.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine reference values for hand grip strength (HGS) in a healthy South Korean population.
• To identify anthropometric variables that significantly impact HGS.
• To establish cut-off values for low HGS to aid in sarcopenia identification.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of data from 7,969 South Koreans aged 10 and above from the sixth Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2014-2015).
• Exclusion of individuals with chronic diseases or poor self-reported health to ensure a healthy sample.
• Correlation analysis between HGS and anthropometric variables (height, weight, BMI); calculation of -2SD cut-off values for low HGS.

Main Results:

• Mean HGS was 39.5 kg for men and 24.2 kg for women, peaking between ages 35-39 and declining thereafter.
• Significant positive correlations were found between HGS and height, weight, and BMI in both sexes.
• Derived cut-off values for low HGS were < 28.9 kg for men and < 16.8 kg for women.

Conclusions:

• The study provides essential reference values for HGS in the Korean population, valuable for clinical assessments in hand surgery and various diseases.
• The established cut-off values for low HGS can assist in the diagnosis and management of sarcopenia within the Korean demographic.