Relationship Between Handgrip Strength and Age in the Body Composition Variables Among People Living with HIV

Abstract

Background: The study of aging, as well as handgrip strength (HGS) isimportant to gain knowledge for health care and quality of life in people living with HIV (PLHIV). Objective: The aim of the study is to analyze the relationship between HGS and age in the body composition variables of PLHIV. Methods: The sample consisted of 77 PLHIV, divided into three groups: G40 – PLHIV aged 40-49 years (n=39); G50 – PLHIV aged 50-59 years (n=26); and G60 – PLHIV aged 60-69 years (n=12). Data collection included anamnesis (sociodemographic, clinical, and laboratory information), physical assessment (body composition and HGS), and physical activity level. Data were analyzed by descriptive and inferential statistics. Results: It was noted that men, compared to women, are 5.85 times more likely to present adequate HGS (p<0.001). In addition, adequate HGS was associated with adequate values of body mass index (p<0.001), waist circumference (p<0.001), and fat percentage (p<0.001). The G40 and G50 groups, in relation to the G60, were associated with adequate abdominal circumference (p=0.04). Conclusion: Monitoring the evolution of HGS in PLHIV, over time, makes it possible to infer about body fat and muscle mass, in order to propose prevention actions and guidelines to prevent early muscle loss, the development of overweight/obesity, and abdominal obesity.

Relationship of handgrip strength with health indicators of people living with HIV in west Pará, Brazil

“…5,9 Because HGS is an important predictor of functional decline and reduced life expectancy, and a biomarker for biological aging, studies have sought to use this tool to monitor clinical evolution. 5,16,31 The present study confirmed the importance of assessing HGS in people living with HIV, and especially in older people in whom the HGS is significantly reduced.…”

“…5,9 Because HGS is an important predictor of functional decline and reduced life expectancy, and a biomarker for biological aging, studies have sought to use this tool to monitor clinical evolution. 5,16,31 The present study confirmed the importance of assessing HGS in people living with HIV, and especially in older people in whom the HGS is significantly reduced. This fact can be justified by the fact that HIV plays a proinflammatory role in the body, thus promoting degradation of muscle tissue and a reduction in strength in a time-effect relationship, that is, the longer the untreated infection time, the greater the damage caused by HIV.…”

“…Handgrip strength (HGS) is a quick and effective way to objectively assess muscle strength 13 and has been shown to be associated with health related outcomes. 16,17 Thus, the object of this manuscript is to analyze the relationship of HGS with health indicators in people living with HIV.…”