Handgrip strength is a determinant of bone health in children of both sexes

Verdugo Poblete V.; Vidal Espinoza R.; Urzua Alul L.; Urra Albornoz C.; Caballero Apaza L.M.; Cossio Bolaños M.; Gomez Campos R. · Nutricion Clinica y Dietetica Hospitalaria (2026) · DOI: 10.12873/461rgomezc

Resumen

Introduction: Muscle strength is essential for maintaining normal physical activity and a good quality of life. Objective: The objective was to correlate handgrip strength (HGS) in both hands with bone mineral density (BMD) and bone mineral content (BMC) values determined by an anthropometric method in children at a municipal school in Chile. Methods: A correlational study was conducted on 66 schoolchildren aged 11 to 13 (30 boys and 36 girls) from a municipal school in Talca, Chile. Weight, standing height, sitting height, forearm length, and femur diameters were assessed. Body mass index (BMI) and maturity status (years of peak growth velocity) were calculated, and BMD and BMD were determined using an anthropometric equation. HGS was measured on both hands. Results: Positive and significant relationships were found, especially in males than in females. BMD with HGS in both hands in men reflected R2 = 44%, while in females R2 = 14 and 16%. In CMO, males showed an explanatory power of 45%, while females ranged from R2 = 19 to 21% (p<0.001). Conclusion: A positive relationship between HGS and bone health was demonstrated in both sexes. These results suggest that HGS is a determinant of bone health, making it necessary for schoolchildren to develop strength training exercises during this stage to improve bone health.

Instituciones: Universidad Nacional del Altiplano