Associations of Relative Handgrip Strength and Aerobic and Strength Exercises with Metabolic Syndrome Prevalence

Background: The purpose of this study was to investigate associations of relative handgrip strength and participation in aerobic and strength exercises with metabolic syndrome prevalence. Moreover, level of handgrip strength, exercise frequency, and types of participation in aerobic and strength exercises associated with reductions in metabolic syndrome prevalence were explored. Methods: This study relied on data from the Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 2018, specifically data on handgrip strength level, aerobic and strength exercise levels, and metabolic syndrome prevalence. Aerobic exercise level was categorized as either moderate physical activity (>150 min/week) or vigorous physical activity (>75 min/week) or not engaging in those levels of exercise. Frequency of strength exercise was also recorded. Multivariate logistic regression analyses were used for data analysis. Results: A total 4836 adults were included in this study. Greater relative handgrip strength in both female and male adults was significantly associated with reduced metabolic syndrome prevalence. Levels of aerobic and strength exercise participation were higher in adults with greater relative handgrip strength. Aerobic and strength exercise participation was significantly associated with decreased metabolic syndrome prevalence in males, but the association was not significant in females. Conclusions: The relative handgrip strength may instead be a marker of lower metabolic syndrome risk, and an increased participation in aerobic and strength exercise helps to reduce the risk of metabolic syndrome. Suggested exercises for female adults include light aerobic exercise such as walking and strength exercise including weight-bearing exercise and stair climbing.