Handgrip strength does not represent an appropriate measure to evaluate changes in muscle strength during an exercise intervention program in frail older people.

M. Tieland*, L.B. Verdijk, L.C. de Groot, L.J. van Loon

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticleAcademicpeer-review

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Although handgrip strength is considered a strong predictor of negative health outcomes, it is unclear whether handgrip strength represents a useful measure to evaluate changes in muscle strength following resistance-type exercise training in elderly people. We assessed whether measuring handgrip strength provides proper insight in the efficacy of resistance-type exercise training to increase muscle mass, strength and physical performance in frail elderly. METHODS: Pre-frail and frail elderly (>/=65 y) were either conducting a 24 wk resistance-type exercise training or no exercise training. Before, during, and after the intervention, handgrip strength (JAMAR), lean body mass (DXA), leg strength (1-RM), and physical performance (SPPB) were assessed. RESULTS: Handgrip strength correlated with appendicular lean mass (rho =0.68; P<.001) and leg strength (rho =0.67; P<.001). After 24 wks of whole body resistance-type exercise training, leg extension strength improved significantly better when compared with the control group (57+/-2 to 78+/-3 kg vs 57+/-3 to 65+/-3 kg: P<.001). Moreover, physical performance improved significantly more in the exercise group (8.0+/-0.4 to 9.3+/-0.4 points) when compared with the control group (8.3+/-0.4 to 8.9+/-0.4 points: P<.05). These positive changes were not accompanied with any significant changes in handgrip strength (26.3+/-1.2 to 27.6+/-1.2 kg in the exercise group vs 26.6+/-1.2 to 26.3+/-1.3 kg in the control group: P=.71). CONCLUSION: Although handgrip strength strongly correlates with muscle mass and leg strength in frail elderly people, handgrip strength does not provide a valid means to evaluate the efficacy of exercise intervention programs to increase muscle mass or strength in an elderly population.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)27-36
JournalInternational Journal of Sport Nutrition and Exercise Metabolism
Volume25
Issue number1
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Jan 2015

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Handgrip strength does not represent an appropriate measure to evaluate changes in muscle strength during an exercise intervention program in frail older people.'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this