OBJECTIVE

Previous studies have shown that grip strength reflects not only muscle function but also relates to bone mineral density (BMD) in adults. However, its association with BMD in adolescents remains unclear. This study aimed to examine the correlation between grip strength and BMD among US adolescents aged 12-19 years.

METHODS

Data were drawn from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2011-2014, including 1,752 adolescents aged 12-19 years. Combined grip strength was defined as the sum of the maximum readings from each hand using a hand-held dynamometer. BMD of the right leg, trunk, and whole body was measured using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). Univariate and multivariate linear regression models were applied to assess the relationship between grip strength and BMD.

RESULTS

After adjustment for age, ethnicity, body mass index (BMI), smoking status, alcohol consumption, calcium and vitamin D supplementation, and serum calcium and phosphorus levels, grip strength showed a positive association with right leg BMD [β = 0.004, 95% CI: (0.004, 0.004)], trunk BMD [β = 0.004, 95% CI: (0.004, 0.004)], and whole-body BMD [β = 0.003, 95% CI: (0.003, 0.004)] (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

(1) Grip strength was positively associated with right leg, trunk, and whole-body BMD among American adolescents aged 12-19 years. (2) Hand grip strength may serve as a useful indicator in assessing skeletal health in this age group.

WHAT IS KNOWN

• A significant positive association persists between handgrip strength and bone mineral density among adolescents.

WHAT IS NEW

• Literature is not avallable regarding sports participation and pubertal status with bone mineral density in adolescents.