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Association of Testosterone With Lean Soft Tissue and Handgrip Strength Across Middle-Aged Men
Konstantinos Prokopidis1, Stefano Cacciatore2, Joseph McLean3
1Department of Musculoskeletal Ageing and Science, Institute of Life Course and Medical Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK.
Journal of Cachexia, Sarcopenia and Muscle
|July 8, 2026
Summary
Higher testosterone levels in men aged 40-59 are linked to increased handgrip strength (HGS) and appendicular lean soft tissue index (ALSTI). This association is particularly strong in men aged 50-59, suggesting testosterone
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Gerontology
- Human Physiology
Background:
- Testosterone levels naturally decline with age, potentially impacting muscle mass and strength.
- Understanding the relationship between testosterone and physical function is crucial for aging men's health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between serum testosterone levels and handgrip strength (HGS) and appendicular lean soft tissue index (ALSTI).
- To analyze these associations in men aged 40-49 and 50-59 years.
Main Methods:
- Utilized data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2011-2014.
- Defined testosterone, HGS, and ALSTI levels using median cohort values and European Association of Urology guidelines.
- Employed linear and logistic regression analyses to assess associations.
Main Results:
- Higher total testosterone levels positively correlated with higher HGS, especially in men aged 50-59.
- Men with testosterone levels above deficiency thresholds showed significantly higher odds of increased ALSTI.
- Normal testosterone levels were associated with higher HGS across the cohort and specifically in the 50-59 age group.
Conclusions:
- Normal to high-normal testosterone levels in men aged 40-59, particularly those 50-59, are linked to better HGS and ALSTI.
- These findings highlight the importance of maintaining adequate testosterone levels for muscle health in middle-aged and older men.
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