Anthropometric and demographic predictors of handgrip strength and lean mass quality in hospitalized individuals

Abstract

Background and aim: Low strength and/or lean mass quality are associated with higher hospitalization and mortality. The aim of this study was to evaluate the main demographic and anthropometric predictors of strength and lean mass quality in hospitalized patients.

Methods: We evaluated 136 patients (18-86 years) of both sexes, admitted in a public hospital. Waist circumference (WC) was measured using an inelastic tape, lean mass (LM) was assessed by bioimpedance, and handgrip strength (HGS) was performed using a dynamometer. Lean mass quality (HGS/LM) was also calculated.

Results: We noted that LM predicted 33.1% of HGS, whereas WC was not associated with HGS. Evaluating LM and WC in the same statistical model, WC (β = -0.249, p = 0.001) increased the prediction of HGS by 4.7% when compared to LM alone. Accessing LM, WC, age, and sex in the same model an increase in the prediction of HGS by 7.3% was noted when compared to LM alone, but only LM and sex were significant. In addition, WC predicted the lean mass quality by 4% (β = -0.205, p = 0.016) and when WC, sex, and age were placed in the same model; WC (β = -0.172, p = 0.035) and sex (β = 0.332, p < 0.001) explained the variations in lean mass quality by 15%.

Conclusion: The main predictor of lower HGS was lower LM, whereas sex showed a low association. Furthermore, although a low association was found, higher abdominal obesity and sex predicted lower lean mass quality.

Keywords: Abdominal adiposity; Body composition; Hospitalized patients; Lean mass; Muscle strength.