Actionable Data Report 076:

Actionable Data Brief: Handgrip Strength Predicts Longevity—Relative Strength Matters More

Article Overview:

This longitudinal cohort study from the Korean Longitudinal Study of Aging (KLoSA) followed 9,102 participants over 13 years to examine how absolute and relative hand grip strength (HGS) impact all-cause mortality. Both forms of strength were tested for their predictive value, adjusting for chronic diseases, cognitive function, depression scores, and lifestyle factors.

Results and Interpretation:

Key Findings:

• Absolute HGS:

  • Each 1 kg increase = 3.2% lower risk of all-cause mortality (Adjusted HR = 0.968, 95% CI: 0.958–0.978).

• Relative HGS (grip strength/BMI):

  • Each 1 kg/BMI increase = 22% lower risk of all-cause mortality (Adjusted HR = 0.780, 95% CI: 0.634–0.960).

• Subgroup Insights:

  • High HGS was protective in both men and women, and in both <65 and ≥65 age groups.

  • Relative HGS was an even stronger mortality predictor among those with more than two chronic diseases.

• Clinical Relevance:

  • Grip strength remained a strong independent predictor even after adjusting for cognitive decline, depression, and multimorbidity.

Actionable Data Steps:

1. Integrate HGS Testing Into Routine Health Screening

• Use dynamometers in annual check-ups for adults aged 45+.

• Record both absolute values (kg) and relative values (kg/BMI).

2. Prioritize Strength Training in At-Risk Groups

• Especially focus on middle-aged adults, those with multiple chronic diseases, and the elderly.

• Emphasize resistance training, protein optimization, and multimodal programs targeting neuromuscular function.

3. Use HGS as a Mortality Risk Stratifier

• Low HGS = higher priority for preventive interventions (nutrition, physical activity, fall prevention).

• Monitor HGS alongside BMI, MMSE, and CES-D scores for holistic risk profiling.

Why This Matters:

Handgrip strength isn’t just about musculoskeletal health—it’s a global survival marker. Improving or maintaining strength, especially relative to body size, could extend life expectancy and reduce the burden of chronic disease. Tactical aging means keeping strength at the forefront, not as an afterthought.

Definitions:

• Absolute HGS: Total force output measured directly in kg.

• Relative HGS: Force output normalized to BMI (kg/BMI).

• CES-D: Depression score screening tool; MMSE: Cognitive function score.

Further Learning:

• Research long-term strength-building interventions in populations with low baseline HGS.

• Investigate HGS predictive power for cause-specific mortality (e.g., cancer, CVD, falls).

• Test wearable tech or grip-based devices for real-time strength monitoring.

Citation:

Jeong W, Moon JY, Kim JH. Association of absolute and relative hand grip strength with all-cause mortality among middle-aged and old-aged people. BMC Geriatr. 2023;23(1):321. Published 2023 May 23. doi:10.1186/s12877-023-04008-8