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Handgrip Strength in the Korean Population: Normative Data and Cutoff Values
Yae Lim Lee1, Ban Hyung Lee1, Sang Yoon Lee2
1Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.
Annals of Geriatric Medicine and Research
|August 4, 2020
Summary
This study provides normative handgrip strength (HGS) data for Koreans, establishing low HGS cutoff values. Peak HGS occurs in the 35-39 age group for both sexes.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology and Geriatric Medicine
- Public Health and Epidemiology
- Sports Medicine and Exercise Physiology
Background:
- Establishing normative data for handgrip strength (HGS) is crucial for assessing muscle function across populations.
- Age- and sex-specific reference values are needed to accurately interpret HGS measurements in clinical and research settings.
- Defining thresholds for low HGS aids in identifying individuals at risk for sarcopenia and other health issues.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report age- and sex-specific normative data for handgrip strength (HGS) in the Korean population.
- To establish reliable cutoff values for identifying low handgrip strength in Korean men and women.
- To analyze the relationship between HGS and body mass index (BMI) across different age groups.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of handgrip strength (HGS) data from 23,716 Korean adults (2014-2017 Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey).
- Calculation of mean HGS with standard deviations for 5-year age intervals from age 10.
- Correlation analysis between HGS and body mass index (BMI); determination of low HGS cutoff values using -2 standard deviation from healthy young adults.
Main Results:
- Mean HGS was 39.5±9.3 kg for men and 24.4±5.3 kg for women.
- Peak HGS was observed in the 35-39 year age group for both sexes (men: 46.0±7.2 kg; women: 27.2±4.6 kg).
- Sex-specific cutoff values for low HGS were determined as 29.6 kg for men and 16.8 kg for women.
Conclusions:
- Korean handgrip strength (HGS) peaks between ages 35-39, with a steeper decline in men compared to women.
- Established cutoff values of 29.6 kg for men and 16.8 kg for women provide critical thresholds for low HGS.
- These normative data and cutoff values are essential for assessing muscle strength and identifying potential health risks in the Korean population.
