Early muscle strength impairment among young adults in an urban population and its association with lifestyle factors

Abstract Background Sarcopenia has traditionally been regarded as a geriatric condition; however, emerging evidence indicates that impairments in muscle strength and physical performance may begin much earlier in life. Urban lifestyles characterized by physical inactivity, prolonged sedentary behavior, inadequate sleep, and suboptimal nutrition may predispose young adults to early muscle dysfunction before overt muscle mass loss occurs. Objectives To determine the prevalence of early muscle strength impairment (early sarcopenia phenotype) among adults aged 18–40 years and to evaluate its association with selected modifiable lifestyle factors. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted among 400 young adults recruited from an urban population. Lifestyle exposures were assessed using a structured questionnaire. Muscle strength was measured using handgrip dynamometry. Early sarcopenia was operationally defined as low muscle strength with or without impaired physical performance. Associations were examined using chi-square tests and multivariable logistic regression. Results Early sarcopenia was identified in 17.0% of participants. Low physical activity (adjusted OR 2.21, 95% CI 1.32–3.69), prolonged daily screen time > 6 hours (adjusted OR 1.74, 95% CI 1.05–2.89), and short sleep duration < 6 hours/night (adjusted OR 2.09, 95% CI 1.24–3.52) were independently associated with early sarcopenia. Conclusions Early muscle strength impairment affects a substantial proportion of young adults and is strongly associated with modifiable lifestyle behaviors. These findings support a life-course approach to sarcopenia prevention and highlight the need for early screening and lifestyle-based interventions as public health priorities.