Parity and low hand grip strength in postmenopausal women: data from KNHANES (2014-2019)

Low hand grip strength, with or without reduced physical performance, has been defined previously as possible sarcopenia. Identifying credential parameters of sarcopenia is crucial given its high prevalence among postmenopausal women. Since hand grip strength is a key parameter in diagnosis of sarcopenia and parity affects estrogen exposure, this study aims to examine the association between parity and hand grip strength (HGS).

Data from the Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES), from 2014 to 2019, were analyzed and included 4,102 postmenopausal women aged 45-65 years. Participants were categorized into two groups: hand grip strength <18 kg and hand grip strength ≥18 kg. Parity was determined through the collection of standardized questionnaires regarding information on the total number of pregnancies carried to a viable gestational age and subsequently, categorized into four groups: parity 0, parity 1, parity 2, and parity greater than three. The association between parity and hand grip strength was assessed utilizing logistic regression analysis.

Among participants, 17.8% had HGS <18 kg, indicating possible sarcopenia. Mean HGS was 20.33 kg for nulliparous women, 21.65 kg for primiparous women, and 21.76 kg for those whose parity was  two, and 21.88 kg for those whose parity was three or more ( P <0.01). Compared with nulliparity, the odds of low HGS decreased by 49% in multiparity after adjusting for height, weight, age, menopause age, high alcohol intake, dyslipidemia, and diabetes mellitus (OR: 0.51, P <0.01).

The results of this study found that higher parity is significantly associated with increased hand grip strength, which may reduce the likelihood of possible sarcopenia.