Associations Between Muscle Grip Strength with Age, Body Mass Index, Waist-to-Hip Ratio, Level of Independent, Physical Activity Level and Macronutrient Intake in Elderly Women

Abstract

The grip strength reduction in older people often related with reduced physical performance and functional decline. The study aimed to identify factors associated with muscle grip strength among elderly women i.e. nutritional status (body mass index) and waist-to-hip ratio (WHR), level of independent, physical activity level and macronutrient intake. A cross-sectional study used in the study towards a total of 88 elderly women from a geriatric group at a hospital and in a community setting was used. Grip strength was measured using a handgrip dynamometer. Measurement tape was used to measure height and waist and hip circumferences, which were used to calculate the WHR and a digital scale was used to measure body weight. A semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire was used to evaluate macronutrient intake. Most subjects had a moderate level of grip strength, with an average strength of 24.017 kg. A majority of the subjects were independent according to Basic Activities of Daily Living (BADL) and Intermediate Activities of Daily Living (IADL) scores. The mean BMI was normal (24.60±3.73 kg/m²) and the average WHR was 0.85±0.05. Most of the subjects had a moderate level of physical activity. Age, level of independence with IADL or BADL, physical activity, fat and energy intakes were significantly associated with grip strength (p<0.05). Regular physical activity and consumption of adequate energy and protein are needed to maintain muscle strength and prevent disability.