# Overactive Bladder Symptoms as a Predictor of Longitudinal Decline in Grip Strength in Community‐Dwelling Men: A 4‐Year Longitudinal Study

## TL;DR

This study found that overactive bladder symptoms in men may predict a decline in grip strength over four years.

## Contribution

The study is the first to show a longitudinal link between overactive bladder symptoms and reduced grip strength in men.

## Key findings

- Overactive bladder symptoms (OABSS Q3 and Q4) were significantly correlated with a decline in grip strength over four years.
- The IPSS voiding symptoms domain did not show a significant association with grip strength change.
- The strongest predictor of grip strength decline was the total score of OABSS urgency and incontinence symptoms.

## Abstract

Lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) are associated with sarcopenia in men. However, it is not clear whether LUTS are related to the decline in physical function. We investigated the longitudinal association between the LUTS severity and the grip strength change in community‐dwelling men.

A 4‐year longitudinal study was conducted using data from 151 men (median age 53 years) enrolled in the Iwaki Health Promotion Project. Grip strength change was calculated as the difference between 2015 and 2019 measurements. LUTS severity was assessed with the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) and the Overactive Bladder Symptom Score (OABSS). Baseline variables included age, Aging Male Symptoms score, serum testosterone, albumin, interleukin‐6, HbA1c, daily exercise, skeletal muscle mass index, and percent body fat. Correlations and multiple regression analyses were performed.

The median age and baseline grip strength were 53 years and 41.3 kg, respectively. Grip strength decreased significantly after 4 years, with a median value of −1.1 kg. There was a significant negative correlation between total OABSS, OABSS Q3 (frequency of urinary urgency, r = −0.234, p = 0.003), Q4 (frequency of urge urinary incontinence, r = −0.190, p = 0.020), and grip strength change, whereas the IPSS voiding symptoms domain was not. Multiple regression analysis showed that only the total score of OABSS Q3 and Q4 was significantly correlated with grip strength change (standardized β = −0.930, p = 0.012).

The main symptoms of OAB may be indicators of the grip strength decline in men.