Associations of Bone Mineral Density with Body Composition and Grip Strength: A Maximal Information Coefficient Approach

Background This study employed the Maximal Information Coefficient (MIC) algorithm to explore the complex relationships between bone mineral density (BMD) and body composition, grip strength, and exercise-related factors in university students, aiming to address the limitations of traditional linear models. Methods A total of 202 university students (sports majors and non-sports majors) were randomly selected. Data were collected using a bone densitometer, body composition analyzer, and dynamometer. Multidimensional analysis was conducted using Pearson, Kendall’s Tau, Spearman correlation coefficients, and the MIC algorithm to reveal both linear and nonlinear association patterns among the variables. Results The results revealed a highly significant positive correlation between grip strength and BMD (males: MIC = 0.5879; females: MIC = 0.5517), which was significantly stronger than the traditional linear Pearson correlation coefficients (males: r = 0.6351; females: r = 0.5986). This indicates a nonlinear synergistic effect, supporting the biomechanical mechanism of muscular mechanical loading on bone adaptation. Lean body mass (males: MIC = 0.3625; females: MIC = 0.3062) showed a significant positive correlation with BMD, further reinforcing the role of muscle mass in promoting bone density. The weak association between body fat (MIC = 0.1742) and BMD suggests its limited direct impact in young populations, necessitating further exploration of indirect pathways through metabolic markers such as the Grip Strength Index (GSI, MIC = 0.3537).Male university students exhibited a higher MIC value for age and BMD (age, males: MIC = 0.3286; females: MIC = 0.2136), while female students' age range aligned with the physiological characteristic of slower bone mass accumulation during young adulthood. Compared to traditional linear methods, MIC demonstrated superior performance in detecting nonlinear relationships (e.g., threshold effects, dynamic synergies), with association strengths averaging 3–4 times higher. The high consistency between Mev and MIC values (grip strength, males: Mev = 0.5879, females: Mev = 0.5517) and the high signal-to-noise ratio of the Total Information Coefficient (Tic) (grip strength, males: Tic = 8.0252; females: Tic = 6.3677) confirmed the robustness of the computational results. Conclusion The study demonstrates that the MIC algorithm effectively identifies complex relationships overlooked by conventional methods, offering a more precise tool for multifactorial interaction research on BMD. Key findings highlight grip strength training and lean mass maintenance as critical intervention targets for bone health in young adults, while the controversial influence of body fat on BMD warrants further investigation through metabolic pathways. This study pioneers the application of the MIC algorithm in university students' bone health research, validating its methodological innovation in uncovering nonlinear associations and providing a theoretical basis for early osteoporosis warning and personalized intervention strategies. Future studies should integrate the MIC algorithm to deepen the understanding of multifactorial mechanisms influencing BMD and optimize bone health promotion programs.Higher education institutions serve as vital hubs for nurturing university students, who represent the backbone of technological advancement. As centers of talent development, universities should not only dedicate efforts to enhancing students' professional knowledge but also prioritize their health, striving to promote their overall well-being.With the shift in modern lifestyles, insufficient nutritional intake and lack of physical exercise have contributed to the rising incidence of osteoporosis and fractures among adults. Consequently, research on bone mineral density (BMD) has gained increasing attention. BMD, a key indicator measuring calcium salt content in bones, serves as a critical metric for assessing bone strength and fracture risk.