Predictors of Hand Grip Strength in Adults Without Sarcopenia: Data From the NHANES, 2013-2014

Background: Grip strength measurement is used to estimate muscle strength and predict health status; yet, an accurate examination of grip strength predictors from body composition variable is lacking. Objectives: This study aimed to examine the association of grip strength with lumbar bone mineral density (BMD) and total lean mass in adults without sarcopenia. Methods: Adults without sarcopenia (N = 3100) were included from the NHANES, 2013-2014, in this cross-sectional study. Body mass (kg), body height (cm), body mass index (kg/m(2)), grip strength (kg), total percent fat (%), lumbar BMD (g/cm(2)), and total lean mass excluding bone mineral content (BMC, kg) were obtained and tested as predictors of grip strength. Results: The regression analysis yielded a significant model [F(2,343732) = 71,284.2; R-2 = 0.713; P < 0.001], with all predictors explaining similar to 71.3% of the variance in grip strength. Age [beta:-0.043; 95% confidence interval (CI):-0.040,-0.036], sex (beta:-0.296; 95% CI:-6.431,-6.270), total percent fat (beta:-0.245; 95% CI:-0.315,-0.308), lumbar BMD (beta: 0.037; 95% CI: 2.529, 2.806), and total lean mass (beta: 0.482; 95% CI: 0.001, 0.001) were all significant predictors of grip strength. Conclusions: The predictive value of the BMD and total lean mass can serve as a useful measure in predicting grip strength and overall health status in adults without sarcopenia.