Evidence map›Paper›PMID 42461474›Full record

ArticleIrish journal of medical science2026

Establishing reference values for handgrip strength in Turkish adults: a population-based approach to sarcopenia diagnosis.

Ayse Dikmeer, Mustafa Levent, Iskender Arda Nacar, Mert Esme, Cafer Balci, Burcu Balam Dogu, Mustafa Cankurtaran, Meltem Halil

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Article in Irish journal of medical science, 2026. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Not yet cited in PubMed.

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3 · Its place in the literature

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4 · The record

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5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

8 authors.

Ayse DikmeerFaculty of Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Geriatrics, Hacettepe University, 06230, Ankara, Türkiye. adikmeer@yahoo.com.ORCID http://orcid.org/0000-0003-3016-8173
Mustafa LeventFaculty of Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Geriatrics, Hacettepe University, 06230, Ankara, Türkiye.
Iskender Arda NacarFaculty of Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Geriatrics, Hacettepe University, 06230, Ankara, Türkiye.
Mert EsmeFaculty of Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Geriatrics, Hacettepe University, 06230, Ankara, Türkiye.
Cafer BalciFaculty of Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Geriatrics, Hacettepe University, 06230, Ankara, Türkiye.
Burcu Balam DoguFaculty of Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Geriatrics, Hacettepe University, 06230, Ankara, Türkiye.
Mustafa CankurtaranFaculty of Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Geriatrics, Hacettepe University, 06230, Ankara, Türkiye.
Meltem HalilFaculty of Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Geriatrics, Hacettepe University, 06230, Ankara, Türkiye.

Funding

No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.

6 · The paper itself

Abstract

backgroundHandgrip strength is a reliable indicator of muscle strength and an essential diagnostic criterion for sarcopenia, as endorsed by recent international consensus statements. However, accurate interpretation requires population-specific reference values due to geographical and ethnic variations. This study aimed to establish sex-specific cut-off values for low handgrip strength among healthy Turkish adults.

methodsThis cross-sectional study included 502 healthy Turkish adults (254 women, 248 men) aged 20-39 years. Anthropometric data, gait speed, and handgrip strength were assessed using standardized protocols. Continuous variables were summarized using descriptive statistics, and one-way ANOVA was used to compare handgrip strength across age categories within each sex. Cut-off values for handgrip strength were calculated as two standard deviations below the sex-specific mean.

resultsThe mean handgrip strength was 25.36 ± 4.66 kg for women and 42.39 ± 8.17 kg for men. Sex-specific cut-off values for low handgrip strength were determined as 16 kg for women and 26 kg for men. Handgrip strength values increased with age within the 20-39 year range for both sexes.

conclusionThis study provides updated, population-specific handgrip strength cut-offs for Turkish adults. These values can facilitate the accurate diagnosis of low muscle strength and support the diagnosis of sarcopenia in clinical practice in Türkiye. Longitudinal studies are warranted to validate their prognostic utility.

Indexed as

Handgrip strengthMuscle strengthReference valuesSarcopenia

Identifiers

PMID42461474

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