Body Weight and Its Relationship with Muscle Strength among Adolescents in Malaysia

Introduction: Few studies have investigated the relationship of handgrip strength as an index of nutritional status to morbidity and mortality in adults and elderly. However, it is not clear if differences exist in handgrip strength, begins at adolescent age and what are their determinants. Aim: To describe the muscle strength of the Malaysian adolescents and to determine the predictors of handgrip strength. Materials and Methods: The study followed a stratified sampling design. This study examined data of 933 students comprising of multi ethnic adolescents, aged 13 years, from March to May 2012. Muscle strength was measured using calibrated hand dynamometer. Data were analysed using multiple linear regression. Results: Male adolescents had greater muscle strength compared to female adolescents (17.8 vs. 14.7 kg). The strength of the right handgrip was greater in both males and females compared to the left handgrip with a difference of 1.39 kg in male and 0.9 kg in female adolescents. Weight and Waist circumference (WC) were significant predictors for handgrip strength for both males and females. Conclusion: This study indicates that weight and WC are among of the determinants of muscle strength for the multi-ethnic Malaysian adolescents. Future study should focus on exploring causes of the muscle strength and lifestyle.