Reproducibility of dynamometers in handrail format in evaluating handgrip strength and traction in young and older adults

Handgrip Strength in Health Applications: A Review of the Measurement Methodologies and Influencing Factors

This narrative review provides a comprehensive analysis of the several methods and technologies employed to measure handgrip strength (HGS), a significant indicator of neuromuscular strength and overall health. The document evaluates a range of devices, from traditional dynamometers to innovative sensor-based systems, and assesses their effectiveness and application in different demographic groups. Special attention is given to the methodological aspects of HGS estimation, including the influence of device design and measurement protocols. Endogenous factors such as hand dominance and size, body mass, age and gender, as well as exogenous factors including circadian influences and psychological factors, are examined. The review identifies significant variations in the implementation of HGS measurements and interpretation of the resultant data, emphasizing the need for careful consideration of these factors when using HGS as a diagnostic or research tool. It highlights the necessity of standardizing measurement protocols to establish universal guidelines that enhance the comparability and consistency of HGS assessments across various settings and populations.

Analysis of handgrip strength, pulling force using the upper limbs, and ground reaction forces in the task of boarding a bus between healthy elderly individuals and those with Parkinson's disease

INTRODUCTION

Elderly individuals with neurodegenerative diseases, such as Parkinson's disease (PD), may experience difficulties when performing functional tasks.

OBJECTIVE

To analyze the handgrip strength, pulling force, and ground reaction forces (GRF) of individuals with and without PD when boarding a bus while performing both simple (ST) and dual tasks (DT).

METHOD

This case-control study addressed 31 individuals with PD (GPD) and 30 healthy individuals (GHI). Assessments were performed in ST and DT situations using a bus model (prototype). Handgrip strength and pulling force were measured in both upper limbs using a dynamometer, and GRF was measured using a force platform. The GPD's and GHI's performances were compared in both ST and DT, and the individuals were classified as fallers according to the Falls Efficacy Scale.

RESULTS

In the inter-group comparison, the GPD presented significantly lower maximum force using their right hand, in handgrip strength (30.43 vs. 36.62, P = .022), and pulling force (10.77 vs 12.81, P = .037). The left hand's pulling force proved to be the most demanding for the GPD, during ST (6.35 vs. 4.76, P = .006) and DT (6.32 vs 4.74, P = .008). The GPD also took longer to perform ST (6.14 vs. 4.67, P < .001) and DT (6.08 vs. 4.81, P = .002). Additionally, the GPD was more afraid of falling compared to the GHI (34.74 vs. 24.77, P < .001).

CONCLUSION

Boarding a bus is a complex task for individuals with PD because they present lower maximum strength in the upper limbs and more significant functional expenditure than their healthy counterparts.

The value of whole-body dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry in assessing body composition in patients with inflammatory bowel disease: a prospective study

OBJECTIVES

Low skeletal muscle index (SMI) is common in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) but has an uncertain relationship with active intestinal inflammation. This study evaluated body composition by whole-body dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) in patients with IBD and healthy controls to enable the value of formal body composition analysis to be judged.

METHODS

Patients with IBD and sex/age-matched controls prospectively underwent full body composition assessment by DXA, assessment by BMI, eating questionnaires and handgrip strength. Disease activity was assessed by faecal calprotectin (active ≥150 µg/g). A cohort undergoing biologic induction therapy were assessed at baseline and after ≥13 weeks.

RESULTS

Total fat mass was higher in 54 patients with IBD (56% Crohn's disease, 61% male) than in 30 controls (median 25.1 vs. 18.7 kg, P  = 0.042). DXA offered little more than BMI. Low SMI was more common than in controls (15% vs. 0%, P  = 0.027). A normal BMI was seen in many patients with low SMI and handgrip strength was a poor marker of change in SMI. Body composition was similar in 28 patients with active vs. 22 with inactive disease. However, SMI increased specifically by 9.7% ( P  = 0.004) and BMI by 6.4% ( P  = 0.012) in 9 responders to therapy.

CONCLUSION

DXA identifies many patients with reduced SMI who are not detected by standard methodologies. While disease activity is not associated with low SMI, resolution of inflammation leads to improved SMI. The potential for recognition of such patients to influence therapeutic decisions underlines the need for DXA assessment in clinical practice.