Hand grip strength and estimates of body composition in HIVinfected rural Kenyan women

Abstract

Objective

To compare hand grip (HG) strength with estimates of body composition (BC) in HIV+ women. Methods

In 256 drug naïve women (WHO Stage 1 or 2; CD4 cell count > 250 cells/uL), isometric strength was evaluated from HG measures using standardized technique and compared to BC estimates. The muscle areas of the mid upper-arm, mid-thigh, and mid-calf, and sum of fat skin folds (SF) were calculated with standard equations using body circumferences and SF. Predicted values of fat-free mass (FFM), % body fat and total body water (TBW) from bioelectrical impedance analysis were calculated with standardized equations. Results

The mean (SD) for age and CD4 were 36.7(8.1) yrs and 533(229) cells/uL respectively. Significant correlations (p<0.001) were found between HG measures (right and left) and estimates of muscle area on the arm, thigh and calf, FFM and TBW and (p<0.005) between HG (left) and body mass index; correlations were not significant with fat mass estimates. Conclusions

HG strength was related to estimates of lean mass at baseline, in drug naïve asymptomatic HIV+ rural Kenyan women enrolled in an 18 month randomized food intervention measuring the impact of beef vs soy vs wheat biscuit supplements on nutrition status. The trial is near completion, with positive acceptance of the biscuits. Supported by USAID Grant No. PCE-G-00-98-00036-00, 1R01HD57646-01A1 (CFDA #93.865) and Heifer Project International.