Association Between Maximal Bench Press Strength and Isometric Handgrip Strength Among Breast Cancer Survivors

Abstract

Objective One-repetition maximum (1-RM) bench press strength is considered the gold standard to quantify upper-body muscular strength. Isometric handgrip strength is frequently used as a surrogate for 1-RM bench press strength among breast cancer (BrCa) survivors. The relationship between 1-RM bench press strength and isometric handgrip strength, however, has not been characterized among BrCa survivors. Design Cross-sectional study. Setting Laboratory. Participants Community-dwelling BrCa survivors. Interventions Not applicable. Main Outcome Measure 1-RM bench press strength was measured with a barbell and exercise bench. Isometric handgrip strength was measured using an isometric dynamometer with three maximal contractions of left and right hands. All measures were conducted by staff with training in clinical exercise testing. Results Among 295 BrCa survivors, 1-RM bench press strength was 18.2±6.1 kg (range: 2.2-43.0) and isometric handgrip strength was 23.5±5.8 kg (range: 9.0-43.0). The strongest correlate of 1-RM bench press strength was the average isometric handgrip strength of both hands (r=0.399; P<0.0001). Mean-difference analysis suggested that the average isometric handgrip strength of both hands overestimated 1-RM bench press strength by 4.7 kg (95% limits of agreement: −8.2 to 17.6). In a multivariable linear regression model, the average isometric handgrip strength of both hands (β=0.31; P<0.0001) and age (β=−0.20; P<0.0001) were positively correlated with 1-RM bench press strength (R2=0.23). Conclusions Isometric handgrip strength is a poor surrogate for 1-RM bench press strength among BrCa survivors. 1-RM bench press and isometric handgrip strength quantify distinct components of muscular strength.

Sarcopenia in aging, obesity, and cancer

“…Studies of muscle density by radiologic techniques show low muscle attenuation is indicative of fatty infiltration (myosteatosis) and is associated with decreased muscle strength ( 53 – 55 ). Functional tests of muscle strength usually involve hand grip and/or gait speed ( 45 , 56 ). Compared to subjects with normal values, those with abnormally low measurements of these parameters (lower than two standard deviations or less than 5% of normal) are more likely to experience significant toxicity with chemotoxicity, worse outcomes, and reduced survival ( 57 , 58 ).…”

Progressive strength training to prevent LYmphoedema in the first year after breast CAncer – the LYCA feasibility study

“…The handgrip strength test diverges from the other muscle strength tests, showing a nearly halved strength bilaterally from baseline to 50-week follow-up. Handgrip strength has been widely used as a proxy for upper body strength [25], and although disputed in a study by Rogers and colleagues [26], this finding is rather puzzling. Our results suggest that the exercises in LYCA did not effectively improve handgrip strength but on the contrary caused deterioration.…”

Effects of Chemotherapy Treatment on Muscle Strength, Quality of Life, Fatigue, and Anxiety in Women with Breast Cancer

“…Additionally, strength performance in cancer patients has been evaluated by different strength tests (e.g., isometric, one-repetition maximum, and isokinetic tests) [ 9 , 26 , 27 , 32 , 33 , 38 , 39 ]. Moreover, several joints have been examined (e.g., knee, shoulder, fist) [ 18 ].…”

“…Moreover, several joints have been examined (e.g., knee, shoulder, fist) [ 18 ]. It is known that these tests evaluate specific aspects of muscle strength [ 9 , 26 , 27 , 38 ], and the results may vary according to the examined joint [ 40 ]. Thus, future studies should investigate if different strength tests and different joints being examined are confounding factors in evaluating the effects of chemotherapy on muscle strength.…”

“…The test consisted of three attempts of 3 to 5 s of maximum voluntary contraction with the elbow flexed at 90°. One min of rest was provided between each attempt [ 26 ]. During the test, volunteers remained seated, with their backs supported in a chair and hip and knee joints were maintained at 90°.…”