Grip Strength and Health-Related Quality of Life in U.S. Adult Males.

Background: A need exists for a population-based evaluation of muscular strength in terms of its association with health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in males. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between grip strength and HRQOL in a representative sample of U.S. men.

Methods: This study used data from adult males 20+ years of age participating in the 2013-2014 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Grip strength (kg) was measured in both hands using a handgrip dynamometer. HRQOL was assessed by a single question asking participants to rate their general health. Additionally, measures of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (PA), body mass index, waist circumference, TV time, sedentary time, and smoking were assessed. Multiple linear regression modeling for complex samples was used to examine the effect of HRQOL on grip strength while controlling for confounding variables.

Results: Overall, males with good HRQOL (Mean = 47.5 kg, SE = 0.31) had significantly greater grip strength than males with poor HRQOL (Mean = 44.5 kg, SE = 0.51, p < 0.001). In fully adjusted models, males with good HRQOL had greater grip strength (slope = 2.5 kg, SE = 0.57, p = 0.001) than their poor HRQOL counterparts. Additionally, HRQOL was a significant predictor of grip strength in male adults who did not meet PA guidelines but not in those who did meet PA guidelines.

Conclusion: Results from this study indicate that muscular strength and HRQOL are related in U.S. men. Furthermore, the muscular strength and HRQOL relationship appears to remain in adult males who do not meet PA guidelines.