Sarcopenia
Why we’ve added Hand Grip Strength Testing to our Post-op Care
Maintaining muscle mass as we age is one of the most important aspects of health and longevity. Bariatric surgery, whilst can lead to a number of health benefits, also can present some challenges; one of which is an increased risk for muscle loss.
At Tailor Clinics, our mission to provide the most comprehensive and holistic bariatric aftercare service involves doing everything in our power to support positive health outcomes after bariatric surgery. It’s for this reason that we’re very excited to introduce a new tool into our post op care: Hand Grip Strength Testing. Read on to find out more about this.
First of all, let’s explain a bit more about muscle loss.
Sarcopenia: Age-Related Muscle Loss
Sarcopenia is a condition defined by the progressive loss of muscle mass and strength as we age. Unlike general muscle loss which may occur due to a period of inactivity or illness, sarcopenia is specifically related to aging. It’s this type of muscle loss which bariatric surgery presents an increased risk for.
Why do we want to avoid Sarcopenia?
Sarcopenia is associated with a number of negative health outcomes, physical limitations, and decreased independence. Muscle mass is also a significant driving force of our metabolic rate. In other words: the more our muscle mass declines, the more our metabolism does too.
Why is this relevant after bariatric surgery?
Periods of rapid weight loss can accelerate muscle loss. This is why a loss of strength and feelings of muscle weakness are often reported during the first year post bariatric surgery, when some muscle loss is often inevitable. Our nutritionists and exercise specialists help to guide you on how to preserve and rebuild muscle through nutrition and resistance training.
Why hand grip strength?
Hand grip strength has proven to be an effective (and easy) assessment for muscle strength and screening tool for sarcopenia. We’re also big fans of the notion: “what is measured is managed.” So by collecting this data, it can help to guide our clinicians in how to more effectively support you and set personalised health goals.
How do we test it?
We use a little device called a dynamometer which you hold and squeeze as hard as you can for a few seconds. Easy as that!
Want to learn more about how to increase your strength and maintain muscle mass as you age?
Join us for our next online masterclass in September, with our very own nutritionist and exercise specialist, Nico Gunn. Nico specialises in sports nutrition and has various post-graduate training in this area.
You can find out more about the webinar and register to save your seat: here.
Disclaimer: this blog post is intended for educational purposes only and does not replace individual medical advice. For more support please always seek the guidance of your relevant health practitioners.