Association Between Physical Activity in Rural Life and Low Grip Strength: Findings From the Uonuma Cohort Study

Physical activity is a countermeasure against sarcopenia, but its significance on handgrip strength, a key health outcome, is unclear. We examined the association between physical activity in rural life and handgrip strength, specifically farming activity and snow removal.

Participants aged ≥40 years from a population-based cohort study (2012-2015, median follow-up: 8.6 years, N = 4,774, mean age 64.5 years) were analyzed. Exposures were farming activity (May to November) and snow removal (December to April) and the outcome was low grip strength. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to estimate the adjusted odds ratio (AOR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) of low grip strength for each physical activity.

Farming activity was inversely associated with low grip strength (AOR: 0.63; 95% CI [0.50, 0.78]), and snow removal (AOR: 0.52; 95% CI [0.40, 0.69]). Compared with participants who engaged in neither activity, those who engaged in either one or both had lower odds ratios of low grip strength (AOR: 0.50; 95% CI [0.36, 0.69] for one, AOR: 0.37; 95% CI [0.27, 0.51] for both; p for trend = .001).

This study found an inverse association between physical activity in rural life and low grip strength in middle-aged and older adults. The findings highlight the significance of physical activity related to environmental features in preventing reduced muscle strength in rural communities. Significance/Implications: Physical activity in rural life, such as farming and snow removal, may effectively support muscle strength maintenance and reduce sarcopenia risk in community-dwelling adults.