The idea that the grip can function as a so-called biomarker is not new, but until now scientists have not been able to appreciate what a deterioration means health more concrete.
In the current study included 140,000 adults in 17 different countries where the participants’ grip was estimated using a handgrip dynamometer. Participants were followed on average for four years.
It turned that any deterioration in the hands strength by 5 kg resulted in the risk of dying from any cause increased 16 percent, while the risk of dying from cardiovascular disease increased by 17 percent. The risk of heart attack and stroke also increased, by 7 and 9 percent.
The link remained even after the researchers took into account various factors, such as participants’ age, education or physical activity.
Professor Avan Aihie Sayer of the University of Southampton, which is not involved in the study, said in a statement that there is no doubt that the grip can predict premature death, regardless cause, and there seems to be a special connection to both mortality and morbidity from cardiovascular disease.
The handgrip also seem to be a better marker than for instance blood pressure.
Although more research is needed, the study is further evidence that the skeletal muscles are crucial for health, aging and disease, he writes.
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