FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH HANDGRIP STRENGTH IN ADULTS AND THE ELDERLY

Abstract

Introduction: Muscle strength (MS) has been widely studied as an important marker of health, especially in older individuals. Maintaining adequate muscle strength levels is essential for the individual's functional independence when carrying out daily activities. The identification of individuals and populations with inadequate FM is an important health diagnosis and can support health interventions. Objective: To verify the association of sociodemographic, lifestyle characteristics and use of proton pump inhibitors (PPI) with handgrip strength (HGS) of adults and elderly people from Basic Health Units in Londrina, Paraná́. Methods: In this cross-sectional study from 2019, 122 individuals aged 35 or over, men and women, from Basic Health Units in the urban area of the city of Londrina – PR participated. Data were collected in 2019 using a form, interview and manual dynamometer, for analysis a Poisson linear regression was performed to verify prevalence. Results: This study involved 122 participants and explored the relationship between sociodemographic characteristics, lifestyle, omeprazole use and handgrip strength (HGS) in adults and elderly people. The results showed that FPP values were lower in older individuals, women and those with less education, while married and not formally employed individuals had higher strength values. No statistically significant associations were found between HGS and the presence of previous diseases. Conclusion: Knowledge of these variables makes it possible to identify groups more susceptible to having reduced muscle strength, an indicator of global health that can support future health interventions.