[Oxygen peak consumption is a better predictor of cardiovascular risk than handgrip strength in older Chilean women].

Background: Handgrip strength (HS) and peak oxygen consumption (Vo2peak) are powerful predictors of cardiovascular risk, although it is unknown which of the two variables is the better predictor.

Aim: The objective of the following study was to relate HS and Vo2peak to cardiovascular risk markers in older Chilean women.

Methods: Physically active adult women (n=51; age, 69±4.7years) participated in this study. The HS and Vo2peak were evaluated and related to the anthropometric variables of body mass, body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), hip circumference (HC), waist ratio (WR), and waist height ratio (WHR), as well as with the cardiovascular variables systolic (SBP) and diastolic (DBP) and cardiac recovery in one minute (RHR1). A multilinear regression model was used for the analysis of the associated variables (P<.05).

Results: The cardiovascular risk markers associated (P<.05) with the handgrip strength of the dominant limb (HS) were body mass, BMI, WR, and WHR. The handgrip strength of the non-dominant limb (HS) was associated with body mass. Vo2peak was associated with body mass, BMI, HC and RHR1. The multilinear regression model showed a value of r=0.43 in HS, r=0.39 in HS and r=0.69 in peak Vo2.

Conclusion: Although HS and Vo2peak were related to cardiovascular risk markers, Vo2peak offers greater associative power with these cardiovascular risk factors.