Association among farming activities, muscle strength, and body composition in middle-aged and older adults

Abstract

Objective: This study aimed to investigate the relation among farming activities, muscle strength, and body composition in middle-aged and older adults.

Patients and Methods: Participants aged ≥40 years were recruited from three health-related events in Nagoya City, Japan. A questionnaire was used to collect information on basic characteristics and daily activities, and grip strength, body weight, and body composition were assessed.

Results: The study included 126 participants (42 in the farming activity group and 84 in the nonfarming activity group) with a mean age of 60.4 ± 12.5 years, of whom 65.9% were women. A decline in skeletal muscle percentage was significantly associated with aging, regardless of farming activities. Lower grip strength was significantly associated with aging in the nonfarming group but not in the farming group.

Conclusion: The findings of this study suggest that farming activities may be associated with the maintenance and improvement of muscle strength.