Korean J Geriatr Gerontol.  2025 Apr;26(1):23-31. 10.15656/kjgg.2025.26.1.23.

Effects of Protein Intake and Physical Activity on Hand Grip Strength in the Older Adults Aged over 65 Years of Age: Using Data from the 7th Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey

• Kim DY
• Choi BS

• KMID: 2567823
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.15656/kjgg.2025.26.1.23

Abstract

Background
This study examined the effects of protein intake and physical activity on hand grip strength in older adults aged ≥65 years.
Methods
The data of 2,531 participants in the 7th Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2016-2018) were analyzed. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize the general characteristics of the patients stratified by sex, whereas chi-square tests were utilized to assess the differences in the sociodemographic and behavioral factors between the normal and low hand grip strength groups. A logistic regression analysis was performed to identify the associations between protein intake, physical activity, and hand grip strength.
Results
The prevalence of low hand grip strength was 13.0% in male and 29.4% in female, indicating a higher risk among female. Advanced age, underweight status, low educational level, and lower income, particularly in female, were significantly associated with low hand grip strength. Resistance exercise performed at least four times per week significantly reduced the risk of low hand grip strength in both sexes. Among female, walking at least six times per week was also associated with a lower risk of low hand grip strength. Additionally, female meeting the estimated average requirement for protein intake demonstrated a significantly lower risk of low hand grip strength.
Conclusion
Resistance exercise is crucial for preventing low hand grip strength in older adults. For older female, regular walking and adequate protein intake play an additional key role in reducing the risk of low hand grip strength.

Keyword

Exercise; Hand strength; Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey; Proteins; Sarcopenia