Maximal isometric force in patients with abdominal wall hernia: Associations with sociodemographic factors and normative reference values

Abstract

This cross-sectional study examined associations between sociodemographic variables and maximal isometric force (MIF) in patients with abdominal wall hernia and established preliminary reference values. A total of 107 patients (62 men, 45 women; median age: 58 years (IQR: 47–67)) underwent standardized assessment of MIF during a seated isometric trunk flexion task. Median MIF was 164.9 N (IQR: 125.8–227.3), with higher values in men than women (207.7 (154.8–263.3) N vs 126.3 (100.0–173.4) N; p < 0.001). MIF was negatively correlated with age (ρ = −0.388, p< 0.001) and positively correlated with body mass (ρ = 0.540, p < 0.001) and height (ρ = 0.656, p < 0.001), while BMI showed no association (ρ = 0.145, p = 0.112). In a multivariable model (adjusted R² = 0.499), age (β = −0.007; p< 0.001) and sex (female vs male: β = −0.249; p = 0.001) were independently associated with MIF. These findings indicate that maximal isometric force is primarily influenced by age and sex, supporting direct force assessment and the interpretation of sex-specific percentile values in this population.

Graphical abstract