Korean J Fam Pract.  2024 Jun;14(2):82-89. 10.21215/kjfp.2024.14.2.82.

Association between Handgrip Strength, Obstructive Sleep Apnea (STOP-bang score), and Lung Function in Adults Aged over 40 Years: The 8th Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2019)

• Suh HN
• Yeo YH
• Cho JJ
• Um YJ
• Cho A

• KMID: 2556844
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.21215/kjfp.2024.14.2.82

Abstract

Background
Decreased handgrip strength (HGS) reflects overall muscle mass reduction, which can reduce respiratory muscle strength and impair lung function. Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) has also been reported to cause muscle catabolism and lung damage. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between HGS and lung function by exploring the effect modifiers, including OSA.
Methods
Data from the 8th Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey was used in this study. A total of 3,207 adults aged >40 years were included. The association between HGS and lung function was determined using correlation analysis. Odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated using complex sample logistic regression analysis to determine the association between lung function (restrictive or obstructive pattern) according to HGS groups stratified by sex and OSA risk.
Results
In total, 1,264 males and 1,479 females had normal HGS. In males, the low HGS group had lower forced vital capacity (FVC, L), FVC (%, predicted), forced exploratory volume in one second (FEV 1), FEV 1 (%, predicted), and FEV 1/FVC, than the normal HGS group. The risk of having restrictive pattern of lung function was higher in males with low HGS (adjusted OR, 2.77; 95% CI, 1.22–6.30). The association between low HGS and decreased lung function was stronger in males (P interaction of sex: 0.022 for obstructive pattern and 0.008 for restrictive pattern). However, there was no significant effect modification by OSA risk.
Conclusion
Males with a low HGS showed a higher risk of restrictive pattern of decreased pulmonary function.

Keyword

Handgrip Strength; Lung Function; Obstructive Sleep Apnea; Restrictive Lung Disease