Reference values for handgrip strength: data from the Tianjin Chronic Low-Grade Systemic Inflammation and Health...

although handgrip strength (HGS) is considered an excellent predictor of morbidity and mortality, there are few reference data available, especially across life from young to old populations.

to investigate the reference values and determinants for HGS in a large Chinese adult population.

this cross-sectional study used data from the Tianjin Chronic Low-Grade Systemic Inflammation and Health Cohort Study ranging from 2013 to 2017.

in total, 37,707 Chinese adults aged 18-93 years with measures of HGS were included.

HGS was measured using a handheld digital dynamometer. The percentile distribution of HGS, as well as mean (standard deviation) values of HGS, was calculated according to sex and age categories. The Pearson's or Spearman's correlation coefficient and multiple linear regression were also used.

the peak mean value of HGS was 45.2 ± 6.88 kg in men and 26.8 ± 4.65 kg in women. Different reference values for each sex and age category are present. The prevalence of low HGS was 7.69% in men and 6.46% in women. Multiple regression analysis showed that almost 72.5% of HGS variability can be explained by sex, age, height and weight.

the HGS reached peak at 40 years old, maintained or slightly lowered between ages 40 and50 and then start an accelerated decline after 50 years old. Reference values of HGS should be stratified by sex and age group. HGS variability can be largely explained by sex, age, height and weight.