Individual and Combined Association Between Healthy Lifestyle Habits With Muscle Strength According to Cardiovascular Health Status in Adults and Older Adults

The authors aimed to identify the effect of adherence to healthy lifestyle habits on muscle strength (MS) according to a distinct health status. Methods: Longitudinal analysis using data from 2 population-based cohorts in Brazil (EpiFloripa adult, n = 862, 38.8 [11.4] y-6 y of follow-up length; EpiFloripa Aging, n = 1197, 69.7 [7.1] y-5 y of follow-up length). MS was assessed by handgrip strength (kgf). Information assessed by questionnaire regarding adequate physical activity levels, regular consumption of fruit and vegetables, low alcohol consumption, and nonsmoking habits were analyzed in the relationship with MS according to the health status. The participants were grouped into 3 health status categories: (1) with cardiovascular disease (CVD); (2) at risk of CVD (abdominal obesity or overweight/obesity, high blood pressure, hyperglycemia, and dyslipidemia); and (3) healthy individuals (without CVD and risk of CVD). Results: Simultaneous adherence of 4 healthy lifestyle habits was directly associated with MS among healthy individuals (beta = 10.0, 95% CI, 2.0-18.0, SE = 4.0), at risk of CVD (beta = 5.5, 95% CI, 0.3-12.6, SE = 3.6), and those with CVD (beta = 11.4, 95% CI, 5.8-16.7, SE = 2.8). Conclusions: Adopting a healthy lifestyle can contribute to increased MS in adults and older adults, regardless of health status.