Handgrip strength and associated sociodemographic and lifestyle factors: a systematic review of the adult population

• Published in: Journal of bodywork and movement therapies Vol. 21; no. 2; pp. 401 - 413
• Main Authors: Rodrigues de Lima, Tiago, PE, MSc, Santos Silva, Diego Augusto, PE, PhD, Chula de Castro, João Antônio, PE, MSc, Destro Christofaro, Diego Giulliano, PE, PhD
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States Elsevier Ltd 01.04.2017
• Subjects: Adult health; Age Factors; Exercise; Hand Strength - physiology; Health Behavior; Humans; Life Style; Motor activity; Muscle strength dynamometer; Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation; Public health; Review; Sex Factors; Socioeconomic Factors; Muscle strength dynamometer; Review; Motor activity; Public health; Adult health
• ISSN: 1360-8592; 1532-9283
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jbmt.2016.08.017

Abstract Objetives The aim of this study was to identify studies on handgrip strength (HGS) and associations with sociodemographic variables and lifestyle in adults. Methods Searches were performed in Scielo, PubMed, EBSCO, Lilacs, Scopus and Web of Science databases. Data extraction Two blinded reviewers independently screened the articles, scored their methodological quality and extracted data. Quality assessment The selected studies were analyzed according to the agreement of their findings with the evidence summary. Results Overall, 18,038 studies were found and 26 articles were selected. Lower HGS levels were found in older individuals (n = 20), females (n = 13) and in those not engaged in physical activities (n = 5). Conclusions Older adults, females, those of lower educational level and not physically active had lower HGS levels. The adoption of standardization in relation to specific cutoff points for HGS classification becomes necessary in order to allow better comparison of results.