Impact of obesity and physical inactivity on the long-term change in grip strength among middle-aged and older European adults.

BACKGROUND: Grip strength is a well-established predictor of various chronic conditions and all-cause mortality. Body weight and physical activity (PA) are considered potential determinants of muscle strength. This study aimed to investigate gender-specific associations of baseline obesity and physical inactivity with long-term changes in grip strength among middle-aged and older European adults.
METHODS: Data from the Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe 2004-2015 which was conducted in 12 countries were analysed. Grip strength was repeatedly measured at five follow-up visits with average 2-year intervals. Obesity and physical inactivity at baseline were primary exposures. Generalised estimated equations stratified by gender were fitted.
RESULTS: This study included 8616 males and 10 088 females with a median follow-up of 9.42 years. Significant interactions between obesity and time with grip strength were identified in both males (χ2 interaction=16.65, p = 0.002) and females (χ2 interaction=10.80, p = 0.029). No significant interaction between physical inactivity and time with grip strength was identified in males (χ2 interaction=9.42, p = 0.051) or females (χ2 interaction=5.62, p = 0.230). Those who were less physically active at baseline had weaker grip strength from the beginning at baseline (β = -2.753, p < 0.001 for males and β = -1.529, p < 0.001 for females) to Visit 6 (β = -2.794, p < 0.001 for males and β = -1.550, p < 0.001 for females). Further combined analysis suggested a trend that exposure to both obesity and physical inactivity was related to the fastest decline rate of grip strength.
CONCLUSIONS: This study provides the additional evidence that PA and obesity prevention earlier in life play an important role in maintaining grip strength during ageing. © Author(s) (or their employer(s)) 2019. No commercial re-use. See rights and permissions. Published by BMJ.