Introduction: The number of elderly populations continues to increase from year to year in line with the increase in life expectancy. As a result of aging process, older people experience a decrease in muscle mass and muscle strength. Testosterone levels decrease with age, promoting a decrease in muscle mass and muscle strength. Handgrip strength reflects overall muscle strength in the elderly. There are still a few studies in Indonesia about the correlation between muscle strength and testosterone in older men.
Objective: To determine total testosterone levels with the handgrip strength in older men.
Method: A cross-sectional study was conducted at the Geriatric Polyclinic of RSUP Dr Wahidin Sudirohusodo, from July to August 2017. Total testosterone levels were measured by ECLIA (Electrochemiluminescence Immunoassay). The handgrip strength was measured using a dynamometer handgrip. This study used descriptive and analytical statistics. Descriptive statistic measures included mean and standard deviation (SD). Analytical statistic measures included Pearson's correlation test, variance analysis (ANOVA) and independent t-test.
Results: There were 41 subjects. The mean age of subjects was 68.9 ± 7.5 years. Mean body mass index was 22.6 ± 0.7 kg/m2. The mean handgrip strength of subjects was 20.6 ± 8.2 kg. The mean testosterone level was 4.34 ± 2.05 ng/mL. A significant correlation was obtained between age and handgrip strength (p 0.05).
Conclusion: In this study, no significant relationship was found between total testosterone levels and handgrip strength.
Key words: Testosterone Levels, Handgrip strength, Elderly Men
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