ASSOCIATION OF MAXIMAL VOLUNTARY ISOMETRIC HANDGRIP STRENGTH WITH AGE, GENDER AND HANDEDNESS IN OLDER PEOPLE
Association of maximal voluntary isometric handgrip strenth with age, gender and handedness in older people
Author
Hernández-Martínez, Jordan
Cisterna, Diego
Ramírez Campillo, Rodrigo; Departamento Ciencias de la Actividad Física, Universidad de Los Lagos
Álvarez, Cristian
Guede-Rojas, Francisco
De La Fuente, Carlos
Castro-Sepúlveda, Mauricio
Moran, Jason
Abstract
Background: Maximal voluntary isometric handgrip strength (MVIHS) is influenced by age, sex, and handedness. Aim: To assess the association of MVIHS with age, sex, and handedness in older adults. Material and methods: MVIHS was measured using a digital dynamometer in 60 men and 60 women aged 73 ± 6 years. Weight, height and handedness were also recorded. For analysis purposes, participants were divided into two age groups (65 to 70.9 years of age and ? 71 years). Results: A negative correlation was observed between age and MVIHS in the non-dominant (r = -0.65 and -0.59 in men and women, respectively) and dominant hands (r = -0.71 and -0.64 in men and women, respectively). When age and MVIHS were correlated in the group aged 65-70 years, a significant correlation was observed in the non-dominant (r = -045 and -0.61 in men and women, respectively) and dominant hands (r = -0.47 and -0.64 in men and women, respectively). In the group aged ? 71 years, a stronger correlation with age was also observed in the non-dominant (r = -0.92 and -0.90 in men and women, respectively) and dominant hands (r = -0.95 and -0.90 in men and women, respectively). MVIHS was 2.8 to 8.9% lower in the non-dominant than in the dominant hand in all age groups. MVIHS was lower in women than in men in both age groups. Conclusions: MVIHS declines with age (especially after 71 years of age), is higher in men than women, and higher in the dominant than the non-dominant hand. Background: Maximal voluntary isometric handgrip strength (MVIHS) is influenced by age, sex, and handedness. Aim: To assess the association of MVIHS with age, sex, and handedness in older adults. Material and methods: MVIHS was measured using a digital dynamometer in 60 men and 60 women aged 73 ± 6 years. Weight, height and handedness were also recorded. For analysis purposes, participants were divided into two age groups (65 to 70.9 years of age and ? 71 years). Results: A negative correlation was observed between age and MVIHS in the non-dominant (r = -0.65 and -0.59 in men and women, respectively) and dominant hands (r = -0.71 and -0.64 in men and women, respectively). When age and MVIHS were correlated in the group aged 65-70 years, a significant correlation was observed in the non-dominant (r = -045 and -0.61 in men and women, respectively) and dominant hands (r = -0.47 and -0.64 in men and women, respectively). In the group aged ? 71 years, a stronger correlation with age was also observed in the non-dominant (r = -0.92 and -0.90 in men and women, respectively) and dominant hands (r = -0.95 and -0.90 in men and women, respectively). MVIHS was 2.8 to 8.9% lower in the non-dominant than in the dominant hand in all age groups. MVIHS was lower in women than in men in both age groups. Conclusions: MVIHS declines with age (especially after 71 years of age), is higher in men than women, and higher in the dominant than the non-dominant hand.