Maturitas · Sep 22, 2017

Handgrip strength and its association with functional independence, depressive symptoms and quality of life in older adults

By Gopinath B, Kifley A, Liew G et al.

We assessed the associations between handgrip strength and functional independence, quality of life and depressive symptoms in 947 participants aged 65 years or over. Handgrip strength was measured with a dynamometer. Use of formal support and family/friend support was self-reported. Activities of daily living (ADL), quality of life and depressive symptoms were assessed using validated scales. Mean handgrip strength was 27.1kg (±10.3). Each 10kg increase in handgrip strength was associated with 39% reduced odds of impaired instrumental ADL. Handgrip strength was inversely associated with use of both formal and family/friend support. Handgrip strength was independently associated with functional independence.

doi.org/10.1016/j.maturitas.2017.09.009PubMed 29150172Biomarkers