Grip Strength, is it worth assessing?

When I was young grandpa use to squeeze my hand every time he would see me. Then he would say: good job!

Why?

Well, apparently grip strength may be a predictor for general muscle strength in healthy children and teenagers and adults.

1) One study evaluated grip strength across a population of healthy Dutch participants (aged-8-20). Grip strength significantly correlated with global muscle strength of the body!

2) Grip strength has also been proposed as a biomarker of health in older individuals. There are evidence indicating grip strength as a predictive indicator of overall strength, upper limb function, bone mineral density, fractures, malnutrion cognitive impairment, depression, quality of life and more.

In addition, patients with weak grip strength are more likely to be admitted to hospital.

Finally, some studies have suggested a link between grip strength and cardiovascular disease. One has determined a drop of 5kg was associated with increased risk of CVD. 

In summary,

it is not a bad idea to use grip strength as a physio screening test for possible future health issues. It takes 2 minutes to screen and may help with your assessment!

Grandpa was probably right!

Physio Summum Brossard

Reference:

Anne E wind et al. Eur JPediatri. (2010)

Richard W Bohannon: grip strngth an indispensable biomaker for older adults. (2019)