Association between grip strength, comorbidities, and anthropometric indicators in older adults attending nutritional consultations

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.29105/respyn24.2-847

Keywords:

hand strength, aged, skeletal muscle

Abstract

Introduction: Human aging is marked by a decline in biological and metabolic functions, impacting overall health. Malnutrition, common in older adults, is linked to muscle mass loss and chronic diseases. Grip strength is an effective indicator of muscle function and nutritional status, especially in older adults. Objective: To describe the relationship between grip strength, the presence of comorbidities, and anthropometric indicators in older adults attending nutritional consultations in San Luis Potosí, Mexico. Material and method: Cross-sectional descriptive study with 120 older adults. Sociodemographic, anthropometric, and dietary data were collected. Grip strength was measured using a dynamometer, and statistical analyses were performed with SPSS. Results: Grip strength correlated positively with muscle mass, weight, height, and calf circumference, and negatively with body fat percentage. A weak correlation was observed with comorbidities. Conclusion: Grip strength is a good indicator of functional and nutritional status in older adults. It is associated with muscle mass and other anthropometric factors, suggesting its utility in assessing frailty and sarcopenia risks. Further exploration of its clinical application is recommended.

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Author Biographies

Español EsPAÑOL, Servicio Social en Facultad de Enfermería y Nutrición UASLP

I have a degree in Nutrition from the UASLP (Autonomous University of San Luis Potosí).

I completed my Social Service at the University Center for Nutritional Care, Autonomous University of San Luis Potosí.
I work in private practice and provide virtual and in-person counseling to groups.
My approach is personalized for individuals or populations, aiming to convey the correct, assertive, and specialized nutritional information that fits their environment. I focus on continuous support and education for patients to achieve real health changes, moving away from the stigmatization often associated with nutrition.
I give talks and conferences to specific groups on topics of nutritional interest for the population, in addition to participating in health fairs or health meetings.

Mónica Lucía Acebo Martínez, Facultad de Enfermería y Nutrición UASLP

Bachelor's degree in Nutrition at the Autonomous University of San Luis Potosí (UASLP), my Master's degree in Clinical Nutrition at the University of Valle de Atemajac, and obtained my PhD in Public Health from the Contemporary University of the Americas.
Since 2013, I have been working as an adjunct professor at UASLP, and since 2020, I have held the position of Secretary for Linkage and Extension at the Faculty of Nursing and Nutrition at the same institution. My academic career includes coordinating the University Center for Nutritional Care and the Bachelor’s program in Nutrition.

I have been actively involved in training students in the Bachelor’s in Nutrition at UASLP and the Master’s in Public Health at both UASLP and the Contemporary University of the Americas, notably advising 10 bachelor’s theses and one master’s thesis.

My area of specialization and interest is focused on public health, body composition, and cardiometabolic risk factors related to obesity.

One of my most notable experiences was collaborating with the Institute of Biomedical Research in San Antonio, Texas, on the Family Genetics Study of Metabolic Diseases (GEMM), working with 10 universities in Mexico.

Throughout my career, I have had the opportunity to publish 8 research articles in specialized, national, and international journals, as well as 2 outreach articles. I have also written a book chapter, available in both physical and electronic formats, both with ISBN, which has allowed me to spread my knowledge in the academic and scientific field. My focus is on improving community health through the promotion of healthy eating habits and the comprehensive management of obesity. I aim to continue contributing to the advancement of clinical nutrition and public health through education, research, and community engagement.

Adriana Berenice Rousset Román , Facultad de Enfermería y Nutrición

Pharmacobiological chemistry and PhD with experience in basic research associated with molecular biology, molecular interactions and cancer. Experience in directing, planning and prioritizing projects and scientific operations with quality, time and established results. 

Aida Karina Arriaga Sánchez , Facultad de Enfermería y Nutrición

Degree in Nutrition and Specialist in Clinical Nutrition from UANL, Certified Diabetes Educator, Certified by ESPEN in Clinical Nutrition, Coordinator of the University Center for Nutritional Care (UASLP).

14 years of experience in the management of hospitalized patients and outpatient care, author of chapters in academic books, and experience in research.

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Published

2025-06-25

How to Cite

EsPAÑOL, E., Acebo Martínez, M. L., Rousset Román , A. B., & Arriaga Sánchez , A. K. (2025). Association between grip strength, comorbidities, and anthropometric indicators in older adults attending nutritional consultations. RESPYN Revista Salud Pública Y Nutrición, 24(2), 10–18. https://doi.org/10.29105/respyn24.2-847

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