Handgrip strength, physical activity, and body composition in young adults with juvenile idiopathic arthritis

Abstract

Background. Handgrip strength (HGS) and physical activity (PA) reflect an individual’s overall health and can predict morbidity and mortality. The purpose of the study was to investigate the level of PA and HGS and associated factors in young adults with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) and determine the connection with body composition parameters. Materials and methods. We conducted a cross-sectional monocentric study of 40 young adults aged 18–30. We collected data on PA and anthropometric and clinical measurements, including disease activity and articular and extra-articular damages. All patients had the following evaluations performed: body composition (dual X-ray absorptiometry), PA level (International Physical Activity Questionnaire), and HGS measurement (using manual hand dynamometer). Results. Sixteen (40 %) patients were considered sedentary, and 32 (80 %) JIA patients had low HGS. The reduced HGS was likely in women, patients with lower body mass index, higher disease activity, and articular damage. In contrast, bone mineral density (BMD) and lean mass were protective factors for reduced HGS (p < 0.05). The level of PA was positively correlated with BMD and lean mass and negatively correlated with fat mass, swollen joint count, and articular damage (p < 0.05). Conclusions. JIA leads to changes in body composition parameters, particularly lean (muscle) mass and muscle strength, and therefore is a risk factor for the development of sarcopenia.