Search Results (39)

Sex-specific differences in the prevalence of sarcopenia, dynapenia, and the impact of obesity on muscle strength and quality in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) remain underexplored. Background/Objectives: In this cross-sectional study, 78 adults with stage 5 CKD undergoing thrice-weekly maintenance hemodialysis in Brazil (44 men, 34 women; mean ± SD age = 57.55 ± 4.06 years) were assessed. Anthropometry (BMI, waist circumference, waist-to-height ratio), dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry, circulating IL-6, Timed Up and Go, handgrip strength (Jamar ^® dynamometer), and muscle quality index (MQI = handgrip/BMI) were obtained. Dynapenia (handgrip < 27 kg men and < 16 kg women) and sarcopenia (1.0 kg/kg for men and 0.56 kg/kg for women) were classified using EWGSOP2-2018 and FNIH thresholds. Results: Compared with reference values, men showed markedly reduced muscle strength and muscle quality (men: handgrip 21.3 ± 5.1 kg; MQI 0.80 ± 0.23 AU) than women. Also, men were 5.1 times more likely to present with dynapenia (88.6%; 95% CI 2.28–11.60) and 3.15 times more likely to present with sarcopenia (75.0%; 95% CI 1.88–5.30) than women. Waist circumference, waist-to-height ratio, BMI, and body fat % correlated inversely with MQI in both sexes (p ≤ 0.01) and with handgrip strength in men (p ≤ 0.01) but not in women. Conclusions: Among hemodialysis patients, men exhibit a substantially higher burden of dynapenia and sarcopenia than women and excess adiposity is independently associated with poorer muscle quality in both sexes. These findings highlight the need for sex-specific screening cut-offs and integrated strategies targeting both muscle dysfunction and central obesity in CKD management. Full article

Background/Objectives: Dupuytren’s disease (DD) presents significant challenges in hand function due to the progressive contracture of the palmar fascia. This study evaluates the impact of Percutaneous Needle Aponeurotomy (PNA) on grip strength before and after intervention. Methods: A prospective pilot study included patients with DD over 18 years of age who underwent PNA. Grip strength was measured at baseline, six weeks, and three months post-procedure using a Jamar Dynamometer. The median time to return to work or normal activities was recorded. Results: The study included a total of 29 participants. There was a recorded difference in one kilogram of baseline grip strength between the treatment and non-treatment hands. Patients reported improved hand function and recorded an average increase of 5.8 kg in grip strength at the three-month follow-up. Improvements were demonstrated in active extension, averaging 26 degrees at the metacarpophalangeal joint and 27 degrees at the proximal interphalangeal joint. Nine minor skin tears occurred, and there was no recorded recurrence. Conclusions: This study adds to the literature, confirming PNA is a safe and effective intervention for DD, offering rapid recovery and functional improvement. A larger study of a longer duration will help to establish whether grip strength gains are maintained following PNA. Full article

Objective: The aim of this study is to determine if protein intake, diet quality, or engagement in physical activity mediate the relationship between sleep quality or duration and handgrip strength. Methods: The sample consisted of 2171 middle-aged persons examined in the 2013–2017 Healthy Aging in Neighborhoods of Diversity across the Life Span (HANDLS) prospective cohort study. Those with sleep apnea (n = 222) and missing data were excluded, resulting in an analytical sample of 1308. Handgrip strength, an objectively measured variable, was determined using a Jamar Hydraulic Hand Dynamometer and expressed relative to body mass index (based on measured height and weight). Sleep quality and duration were measured using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index questionnaire. Protein intake was calculated from two 24 h recalls collected using the USDA Automated Multiple-Pass Method and expressed as g per kg of body weight. Diet quality was assessed using the Healthy Eating Index (HEI) and the energy-adjusted Dietary Inflammatory Index (e-DII). Physical activity was self-reported and expressed as meeting the Life Simple 7 criterion (≥150 min/week, 0–149 min/week, 0 min/week). Mediation analysis was conducted using the Hayes PROCESS macro, model #4, for SPSS Version 4.2. Adjustment for the self-reported covariates of age (years); sex at birth (male, female); race (African American, White); poverty status (<125% or >125% US HHS Poverty Guidelines); current cigarette smoker (yes, no); marijuana, opiate, and/or cocaine user (yes, no); medical conditions including diabetes, hypertension, and/or metabolic syndrome (yes, no); and mean energy (kcal, only protein model) was performed. Results: Protein intake, expressed as g per kg of body weight, mediated the relationship between sleep quality and sleep duration and handgrip strength (indirect effect = −0.0017 ± 0.0006, CI 95% (−0.0030, −0.0006, p < 0.05); indirect effect = 0.0057 ± 0.0019, CI 95% (0.0023, 0.0098, p < 0.05, respectively)). Diet quality, as measured using the HEI, mediated the relationship between sleep duration and handgrip strength (indirect effect = 0.0013 ± 0.0007, CI 95% (0.0001, 0.0030, p < 0.05). Conclusions: Protein intake and a healthy diet mediate the relationship between sleep and handgrip strength, suggesting that these factors may play a role in preserving muscle strength. Full article

Background: The relationship between sarcopenia and the incidence of coronary artery disease (CAD) is not well understood. This study aimed to investigate this relationship and the modifying effect of potential risk factors. Methods: We conducted a prospective study including 439,295 individuals from the UK Biobank. The primary outcome was the incidence of CAD. The main physical capability markers for sarcopenia, grip strength and muscle mass, were investigated as risk factors of interest. Grip strength was measured using a Jamar J00105 (Lafayette, IN, USA) hydraulic hand dynamometer, while muscle mass was estimated through bioelectrical impedance. Cox proportional hazard models were employed to analyze the associations between the exposures and the risk of CAD. Results: A total of 41,564 incident cases of CAD were identified after a median follow-up of 13.15 years (IQR 12.29–13.88 years). Compared with the lowest quintile of grip strength, the adjusted HRs for incidences of CAD from the second to the fifth quintile were 0.81 (95% CI: 0.79–0.83), 0.71 (95% CI: 0.69–0.73), 0.61 (95% CI: 0.60–0.63), and 0.49 (95% CI: 0.48–0.51). The association remained significant in subgroup analysis and interactions were observed between the two exposures and sex, age, smoking status, inflammatory diseases, metabolic syndrome, and genetic predisposition (all p for interactions < 0.05). Conclusions: Physical capability markers of sarcopenia, grip strength and muscle mass, were independently associated with a dose–response decreased risk for CAD incidence, regardless of genetic predisposition and potential modifying risk factors. Full article

Trapeziometacarpal joint osteoarthritis (TMJ OA) is a progressive condition, particularly affecting postmenopausal women. Various surgical techniques have been proposed, but the optimal approach remains debated. This clinical study compares the clinical, functional, and radiological outcomes of two surgical treatments: suspension tenoplasty using the flexor carpi radialis tendon (Altissimi technique, AST) and a dual-mobility prosthesis. The main complications associated with these procedures include postoperative pain, De Quervain’s syndrome, radial nerve injuries, and prosthetic component mobilization. In prosthetic arthroplasty, the most common complication is component mobilization (8%), while in tenoplasty, postoperative pain is the most frequent (15%). A total of 36 patients were randomized into two groups: 18 patients underwent AST (Group A), and 18 received trapeziometacarpal joint arthroplasty (Group B). Functional outcomes were assessed using the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH), Visual Analogue Score (VAS), and Michigan Hand Outcomes Questionnaire (MHQ) at 3, 6, 12, and 24 months. Range of motion (ROM), Kapandji score, pulp pinch strength, hand grip strength (Jamar dynamometer), and radiological maintenance of the trapezial space (step-off measurement) were also evaluated. Both procedures resulted in significant pain reduction (VAS, p < 0.05) and functional improvement (DASH, MHQ, p < 0.05). ROM increased significantly in both groups. The Kapandji scores improved from 4.0 ± 1.1 to 9.2 ± 1.2 (Group A) and 4.3 ± 0.8 to 7.8 ± 1.4 (Group B) (p < 0.05). Group B grip strength results showed a greater increase in hand grip strength than Group A (p = 0.23). The radiographic step-off showed slight proximal migration of the first metacarpal in Group A, whereas Group B maintained joint height. No implant loosening or major complications were reported in either group. Both suspension tenoplasty and dual-mobility arthroplasty are effective in TMJ OA. AST ensures joint stability with minimal radiographic changes, whereas TJA provides superior grip strength and ROM recovery. The absence of major complications suggests that TJA is a safe alternative to AST, but its higher cost and potential for implant-related complications must be considered. Full article

The purpose was to design and validate a battery of physical tests, called EFEPD-1.0, adapted to assess functionality in people with disabilities. In addition, we sought to analyze the validity and reliability of this battery both for the total group and differentiated by sex. A total of 43 adults with disabilities (32 women and 11 men) participated (57.11 ± 10.12 years). The battery was composed of five blocks of functionality: neuromuscular, combined actions, acceleration, balance, and cardiovascular. The neuromuscular functionality was measured by the vertical and horizontal jump test using the optical system (Opto Jump Next^®, Microgate, Bolzano, Italy) as well as the Hand Grip (HG) test using a (5030J1, Jamar^®, Sammons Preston, Inc, Nottinghamshire, UK) hand dynamometer. The combined actions and balance functionality were assessed with the Time Up and Go (TUG) test, the 30 s Chair Stand (30CTS) test, and the One-Leg Stance (OLS) test measured by a manual stopwatch (HS-80TW-1EF, Casio^®, Tokyo, Japan). The acceleration functionality was evaluated through 20 m sprints and the 505 change of direction (COD505) test, using the (Microgate, Witty^®, Bolzano, Italy) photocell system. The cardiovascular functionality was evaluated with the Six-Minute Walking Test (6MWT), where heart rate was monitored using the (Polar Team Sport System^®, Polar Electro Oy, Kempele, Finland), and additional walking mechanics were recorded with Stryd (Stryd Everest 12 Firmware 1.18 Software 3, Stryd Inc., Boulder, CO, USA). The results showed that the intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) ranged from moderate to almost perfect (ICC = 0.65–0.98) between test repetitions. Some tests could significantly differentiate (p < 0.05) men and women, highlighting better neuromuscular capacity in men and better balance in women. The correlations between tests showed significant convergent validity. The Evaluation of Functionality in the Disabled Population (EFEPD-1.0) battery not only consistently measures functional capacities in people with disabilities, but it can also discriminate between different subgroups within this population. Full article

Introduction: Smoking is a risk factor for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and lung cancer. In addition to pulmonary damages, peripheral muscle impairments are present in this population. Pulmonary limitation is observed in smokers before disease diagnosis, but functional capacity limitations are uncertain, contrary to patients who have already been diagnosed. The aim of this study was to compare muscular strength and endurance between non-smoker and smoker populations without any diagnosed respiratory disease. Method: This cross-sectional study assessed subjects without diagnosed respiratory disease in terms of physical capacity using two tests (one-minute sit-to-stand test (STST) and Jamar dynamometer test (JDT)). Results: The sample consisted of 147 subjects. The number of repetitions and the muscle strength were lower in the smoker than in the non-smoker population (28.5 ± 8.7 vs. 33.5 ± 8.2 (p < 0.001), and 38.2 ± 10.1 vs. 42.4 ± 10.5 (p = 0.04), respectively). The relative change in heart rate during STST was lower in the smokers compared to the non-smokers (p = 0.01). No significant differences were found based on gender. Conclusions: Smokers without alcohol or drug dependence and without diagnosed lung disease exhibit non-clinically but statistically reduced muscular strength and endurance. Their heart rate response to exercise is also reduced. Full article

Background: Grip strength is widely used as a surrogate parameter for functional status. The current gold standard, the JAMAR^® Hydraulic Dynamometer (JAMAR^® Hydraulic), presents challenges for individuals with painful finger joints or low grip strength. Therefore, the objective of this observational study was to assess comparability across the JAMAR^® Smart, the Martin Vigorimeter and the gold standard. Additionally, the intrasubject and intersession reliability of all three devices were examined, which are essential for quality control before generating normative data. Methods: Forty healthy participants (aged 37.0 ± 11.3 years) were included, and a subset of 20 participants was randomly selected for retesting. Grip strength testing involved five attempts per measurement device. Results: Intrasubject reliability was excellent (ICC3,1: 0.91–0.97), and a strong correlation (ICC3,1: 0.90–0.98) was found between the first attempt and the best of five as well as between the best of two or three attempts and the best of five, demonstrating robust reliability across multiple measures. Intersession reliability was good to excellent (ICC3,1: 0.85–0.97) across all three devices, which was confirmed by Bland–Altman analysis. The PCC (r) revealed moderate to very strong agreement with the current gold standard JAMAR^® Hydraulic (r = 0.68–0.98), with increased differences between the Martin Vigorimeter and the JAMAR^® Hydraulic measurements, particularly at low and high values. Conclusions: The proposed devices are suitable for test-retest analysis with 2–3 attempts. Despite high correlations between all three devices, the diverging levels of agreement between the Martin Vigorimeter and the established gold standard warrant caution against using these devices interchangeably. Full article

Objective: To compare the body composition of Chilean climbers of different performance levels and to determine the relation between the forearm and upper-trunk lean mass and the handgrip and upper-body traction strength, respectively. Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out on thirty Chilean male adult climbers (26.1 ± 4.9 y.): nine of intermediate level (L1), eleven advanced (L2), and ten elite (L3). Through dual-energy X-Ray absorptiometry (DXA; Lunar Prodigy^®), fat mass percentage (FM%), total lean mass (LM), forearm lean mass (FLM), and upper-trunk lean mass (UTLM) were measured. Total muscle mass (TMM) was also estimated. Handgrip strength (HGS) was measured with a Jamar^® dynamometer. Maximum upper-body traction strength (UBTS) was evaluated with a standardized movement. The level of climbing was assessed according to IRCRA rules. Results: No differences in FM%, total LM, UTLM, or TMM between the groups were found. Left and assistant FLM were significantly higher in L3 (p = 0.047 and 0.041, respectively). HGS absolute, relative, and adjusted by FLM were not different between groups. FLM was associated with HGS in all segments (p ≤ 0.001). UBTS absolute values, and as adjusted by TMM, were significantly higher in L3 (p = 0.047 and p = 0.049, respectively). Conclusions: Left and non-dominant forearm lean mass were significantly higher in elite climbers. Handgrip strength was not significantly higher in elite climbers; however, the upper-body traction strength was significantly higher in elite climbers, independent of total or regional muscle mass. Full article

Manual dynamometry (HHD) allows for the assessment of musculature because its use has been supported as an indicator of health in different population groups. The objective of this study was to examine the reliability and validity of the Activ5 dynamometer for assessing grip strength in a population of adults. A total of 106 individuals with an age of 20.38 ± 1.64, body mass of 71.52 ± 11.32 kg, and height of 1.70 ± 0.11 m were evaluated during two sessions. A cross-sectional agreement study was conducted on Sports Science students from a university community, and 106 individuals were evaluated during two sessions. Statistical analysis of reliability and validity was performed using intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs), Pearson correlations, and Lin’s coefficient. According to Lin’s coefficient, both instruments measure grip strength for both conditions, either for the right hand or the left hand. The correlation coefficient to determine the linear relationship between both instruments determined that between the Jamar right-hand dynamometer and the right-hand Activ5, a coefficient R² = 0.580, p = 0.00, was obtained. In contrast, the correlation between the Jamar left-hand dynamometer and the left-hand Activ5 had a coefficient R² = 0.543, p = 0.001. Both intraclass correlation coefficients and Cronbach’s alpha presented high values, indicating that both instruments have good reproducibility in their measurements. The Activ5 dynamometer cannot be used interchangeably with the Jamar dynamometer; however, the close values reported make it a reliable tool in grip strength assessment. The different characteristics of the Activ5 instrument, such as its ergonomics, weight, portability, wireless connection, dimensions, and applications, make it a promising daily- use tool for assessing, monitoring, and the prescription of physical activity and exercise. Full article

This study addresses the need for highly sensitive tools to evaluate hand strength, particularly grasp and pinch strength, which are vital for diagnosing and rehabilitating conditions affecting hand function. Current devices like the Jamar dynamometer and Martin Vigorimeter, although reliable, fail to measure extremely low force or pressure values required for individuals with severe hand impairments. This research introduces a novel device, a modified Martin Vigorimeter, utilizing an ultra-soft latex chamber and differential pressure measurement to detect minute pressure changes, thus significantly enhancing sensitivity. The device offers a cost-effective solution, making advanced hand strength evaluation more accessible for clinical and research applications. Future research should validate its accuracy across diverse populations and settings, exploring its broader implications for hand rehabilitation and occupational health. Full article

Background: Reduced muscle strength (dynapenia) and mass (atrophy) are prognostic factors in oncology. Measuring maximal handgrip strength with dynamometers is feasible but limited by the cost of the reference device (JAMAR). Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on colorectal cancer outpatients treated with chemotherapy or under active surveillance in our center from September 2022 to July 2023. Accuracy, reliability, and concordance were compared for two handheld dynamometers: the JAMAR Plus (the gold-standard device) and the Camry EH101 (a low-cost index device). A simultaneous nutritional diagnosis with GLIM criteria and bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) was carried out. Results: A total of 134 participants were included. The median of maximal strength for the JAMAR Plus had a non-significant difference of 1.4 kg from the Camry EH101. The accuracy and reliability of the devices were high. Bland–Altman analysis showed a 0.8 kg bias and −4.1 to 5.6 kg limits of agreement (LoA); a 0.1 kg bias and −5.3 to 5.4 kg LoA in men; a 1.5 kg bias and −2.2 to 5.3 kg LoA in women. In total, 29.85% of the participants were malnourished. Prevalence of dynapenia increased from 3.67% with the JAMAR Plus to 5.14% with the Camry EH101. Both devices had a moderate and significant correlation with BIA-estimated muscle mass. Conclusions: The Camry EH101 was a cost-effective alternative to JAMAR Plus in our sample. Full article

The finger tapping test (FTT) is a tool to evaluate the motor performance of the hand and fingers and eye-hand coordination with applicability in people with multiple sclerosis (pwMS). The aim of this study was to evaluate the intra- and inter-rater reliability of the TappingPro^® mobile app and the construct validity between this app and validated clinical scales for motor performance in healthy subjects and pwMS. 42 healthy subjects (mean age 25.05) and 13 pwMS (mean age 51.69, EDSS between 3 and 7.5E) participated. FTT was performed with the TappingPro^® mobile app. All participants were examined twice, with a one-week interval between the two appointments. For the analysis of construct validity, the Jamar^® hydraulic hand dynamometer, Box and Blocks Test (BBT), and Nine Hole Peg Test (NHPT) were used. The intra-rater reliability showed a good correlation (Intraclass Correlation Coefficient, ICC > 0.787) for both upper limbs and both times of FTT for healthy subjects, and an excellent correlation (ICC > 0.956) for upper limbs and both times of FTT for pwMS. The ICC for the inter-rater reliability was good (ICC = 0.869) for the non-dominant upper limb in the FTT 10 s of the healthy subjects, and excellent (ICC > 0.904) for all the other measurements of the healthy subjects and pwMS. However, the Bland–Altman plots showed disagreement between observers and measurements that should be considered in the interpretation of clinical evaluations. The correlation analysis for healthy subjects showed poor associations between all variables, except for the association between hand grip strength and the FTT 60 s in the non-dominant upper limb, which had a moderate coefficient. For pwMS, there were moderate to excellent associations between BBT and the NHPT and FTT for both upper limbs. The correlations between hand grip strength and FFT were poor. This mobile app could be a useful and low-cost assessment tool in pwMS, allowing a simple evaluation and follow-up that has excellent correlation with clinical scales validated in this pathology. Full article

Muscle strength is routinely measured in patients with neuromuscular disorders by hand-held dynamometry incorporating a wireless load cell to evaluate disease severity and therapeutic efficacy, with magnitude of effect often based on normative reference values. While several hand-held dynamometers exist, their interchangeability is unknown which limits the utility of normative data. We investigated the variability between six commercially available dynamometers for measuring the isometric muscle strength of four muscle groups in thirty healthy individuals. Following electro-mechanical sensor calibration against knowns loads, Citec, Nicholas, MicroFET2, and Commander dynamometers were used to assess the strength of ankle dorsiflexors, hip internal rotators, and shoulder external rotators. Citec, Jamar Plus, and Baseline Hydraulic dynamometers were used to capture hand grip strength. Variability between dynamometers was represented as percent differences and statistical significance was calculated with one-way repeated measures ANOVA. Percent differences between dynamometers ranged from 0.2% to 16%. No significant differences were recorded between the Citec, Nicholas, and MicroFET2 dynamometers (p > 0.05). Citec grip strength measures differed to the Jamar Plus and Baseline Hydraulic dynamometers (p < 0.01). However, when controlling for grip circumference, they were comparable (p > 0.05). Several hand-held dynamometers can be used interchangeably to measure upper and lower limb strength, thereby maximising the use of normative reference values. Full article

Background: Sarcopenia has recently been recognized as a complication of diabetes. However, there are few results about the prevalence of sarcopenia and dynapenia and the related clinical outcomes in type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM). Our objectives were to evaluate the prevalence of sarcopenia and dynapenia and to determine whether there are any associations with disease-related factors in people with T1DM. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in people with T1DM. We assessed appendicular skeletal mass index (ASMI) using bioimpedance 50 Hz (Nutrilab Akern). Muscle function was assessed through handgrip strength (HGS) using a Jamar dynamometer. Sarcopenia was defined as a low HGS with low ASMI, whereas dynapenia was defined as low HGS with a normal ASMI. We used HGS data from the Spanish population percentile table and a cut-off point at p5 as dynapenia. The association of clinical, metabolic, and lifestyle variables with sarcopenia and dynapenia was studied. Results: This study included 62 T1DM patients (66% females, mean age of 38 ± 14 years, body mass index (BMI) of 24.9 ± 4.7 kg/m²). The prevalence of sarcopenia and dynapenia was 8% and 23%, respectively. In our sample, there were more men in the sarcopenic and dynapenic groups. The sarcopenic group showed a significantly higher mean HbA1c value. Lower diabetes duration, PREDIMED score, BMI, and muscle mass measures (fat-free mass index (FFMI), ASMI, and body cell mass index (BCMI)) were significantly associated with sarcopenia. Decreased diabetes duration, PREDIMED score, phase angle (PhA), and HGS values showed a significant association with dynapenia. Conclusions: The prevalence of sarcopenia and dynapenia was high in people with T1DM in our study. Specifically, the proportion of dynapenia was quite high. HGS and ASMI are practical tools for the assessment of muscle health status in T1DM, and low values are associated with poor glycemic control, underweight, and low adherence to the Mediterranean diet. Thus, dynapenia may predict accelerated muscle aging in T1DM. Full article