Exploring the Lack of Correlation between Handgrip Strength and Cancer History

Abstract

Background: Handgrip strengths (HGSs) is a simple measure for assessing muscle strength and physical frailty, yet its comparison between cancer survivors and the general population remains unclear. This study aims to investigate HGS in Korean cancer survivors at different times after cancer diagnosis. Methods: The data of 31,416 individuals (aged 19 to 79 years) that participated in the 2014-2019 Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys were subjected to analysis. HGSs were measured using a digital grip strength dynamometer. Multivariate regression models adjusted for potential confounders were used to compare HGSs in short- and long-term (< or ≥5-year) cancer survivors to those of individuals without a cancer history. Results: Of the 31,416 study subjects, 4.7% were cancer survivors, and 2.9% were long-term (≥5 years) survivors. Mean HGS was significantly lower for cancer survivors than subjects without a cancer history in the crude model, but this significance was lost in adjusted models. Conclusion: This study did not reveal the significant association between HGS and cancer history, regardless of whether shortor long-term survivors.