Association of handgrip strength with self-reported diseases in adults in Rio Branco, Acre State, Brazil: a population-based study

• Published in: Cadernos de saúde pública 2015-06, Vol.31 (6), p.1313-1325
• Main Authors: Amaral, Cledir de Araújo, Portela, Margareth Crisóstomo, Muniz, Pascoal Torres, Farias, Edson dos Santos, Araújo, Thiago Santos de, Souza, Orivaldo Florêncio de
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Adolescent; Adult; Body Mass Index; Brazil; Chronic Disease; Comorbidity; Cross-Sectional Studies; Female; Hand Strength - physiology; Health Status Indicators; Humans; Male; Musculoskeletal Diseases - physiopathology; Self Report; Sex Factors; Young Adult
• ISSN: 1678-4464
• DOI: 10.1590/0102-311X00062214

This study aimed to analyze the association of handgrip strength with self-reported diseases and multimorbidity among adults in Rio Branco, Acre State, Brazil, through a population based survey involving 1,395 adults of both sexes. Associations by sex were estimated by logistic regression analysis. The mean handgrip strength in men (44.8kg) is higher than in women (29kg) and decrease with age. The mean handgrip strength difference between those classified as strong and weak was 21kg and 15.5kg for men and woman, respectively. Controlling for age group, body mass index and physical activity when it was relevant, men with low handgrip strength were more likely to have hypertension [OR = 2.21 91.35; 3.61)], diabetes [OR = 4.18 (1.35; 12.95)], musculoskeletal disorders [OR = 1.67 (1.07; 2.61)] and multimorbidity [OR = 1.99 (1.27; 3.12)]. Among woman, associations between handgrip strength and cardiovascular disease, dyslipidemia, musculoskeletal disorders and multimorbidity were not sustained in the multivariate models. This study endorses the use of handgrip strength as a health biomarker.