Sharon L Brennan-Olsen1,2,3, Sara Vogrin1,2, Saliu Balogun4, Feitong Wu4, David Scott1,2,5, Graeme Jones4, Alan Hayes1,2,6, Steven Phu1,2, Gustavo Duque1,2, Alison Beauchamp1,2,7, Jason Talevski1,2, Ghazala Naureen1,2, Tania M Winzenberg3. 1. Department of Medicine-Western Health, The University of Melbourne, St Albans, Vic., Australia. 2. Australian Institute for Musculoskeletal Science (AIMSS), The University of Melbourne and Western Health, St Albans, Vic., Australia. 3. School of Health and Social Development, Faculty of Health, Deakin University, Geelong, Vic., Australia. 4. Menzies Institute for Medical Research, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Tas., Australia. 5. School of Clinical Sciences at Monash Health, Monash University, Clayton, Vic., Australia. 6. Institute of Health and Sport, Victoria University, Footscray, Vic., Australia. 7. School of Rural Health, Monash University, Warragul, Vic., Australia.
Abstract
OBJECTIVES: To examine associations of education and occupation with handgrip strength (HGS), lower limb strength (LLS) and appendicular lean mass (ALM). METHODS: Measures of HGS, LLS and ALM (dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry) were ascertained at baseline in 1090 adults (50-80 years, 51% women), ~3 and 5 years. Education and occupation were self-reported, the latter categorised as high-skilled white collar (HSWC), low-skilled white collar (LSWC) or blue collar. Separate general estimating equations were performed. RESULTS: The highest education group had greater HGS than the middle (0.33 psi) and lowest (0.48 psi) education groups, and 0.34 kg greater ALM than the lowest education group. HGS was 0.46 psi greater for HSWC than LSWC groups. Compared to LSWC groups, LLS was 5.38 and 7.08 kg greater in HSWC and blue-collar groups. Blue-collar and HSWC groups each had ~ 0.60-0.80kg greater ALM than LSWC. CONCLUSION: Progressive muscle loss can be prevented by targeted intervention; thus, we suggest clinical attention be directed towards specific social groups.
OBJECTIVES: To examine associations of education and occupation with handgrip strength (HGS), lower limb strength (LLS) and appendicular lean mass (ALM). METHODS: Measures of HGS, LLS and ALM (dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry) were ascertained at baseline in 1090 adults (50-80 years, 51% women), ~3 and 5 years. Education and occupation were self-reported, the latter categorised as high-skilled white collar (HSWC), low-skilled white collar (LSWC) or blue collar. Separate general estimating equations were performed. RESULTS: The highest education group had greater HGS than the middle (0.33 psi) and lowest (0.48 psi) education groups, and 0.34 kg greater ALM than the lowest education group. HGS was 0.46 psi greater for HSWC than LSWC groups. Compared to LSWC groups, LLS was 5.38 and 7.08 kg greater in HSWC and blue-collar groups. Blue-collar and HSWC groups each had ~ 0.60-0.80kg greater ALM than LSWC. CONCLUSION: Progressive muscle loss can be prevented by targeted intervention; thus, we suggest clinical attention be directed towards specific social groups.