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Abstract
Handgrip strength (HGS) is often used as a bedside measurement of muscle function
in the hospital setting. The aim of this study was to investigate the extent to which
HGS, endurance, and work (force during endurance x time) are related to physical function
as measured by mobility and physical activity (PA) in young, healthy volunteers. Further,
the relations between HGS, mobility, PA and quality of life (QoL) in patients were
investigated.
Ninety-two healthy subjects (45% men, mean age 30 y) and 45 patients (56% men, mean
age 55 y) were assessed for HGS, handgrip endurance, and handgrip work, mobility (timed
up-and-go test), and PA (Baecke questionnaire or Bouchard activity diary). The patients
were further assessed for QoL (SF-36).
There was a correlation between HGS and mobility in healthy subjects (r=-0.31, P=0.0028)
and patients (r=-0.59, P<0.0001). Further, HGS and mobility were related to physical
and mental component summary scores of QoL in patients. There was also a relation
between HGS and PA in healthy female subjects and male patients.
Handgrip strength is a valid measurement of mobility and QoL in patients and of PA
in healthy female subjects and male patients. Handgrip endurance and work were not
found to be valid measurements of mobility and PA in healthy subjects or of QoL in
patients.
Copyright 2010 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.