Is grip strength associated with health-related quality of life? Findings from the Hertfordshire Cohort Study

• DOI: 10.1093/ageing/afl024
• Publication Date: 2006-05-12T07:34:48Z
• Authors: Avan Aihie Sayer; Holly E. Syddall; Helen J. Martin; Elaine M. Dennison; Helen C. Roberts; Cyrus Cooper
• Keywords: Hand strength; Cross-sectional study; Kilogram

Objective: to investigate the relationship between grip strength and health-related quality of life (HRQoL). Design: cross-sectional survey within a cohort study design. Setting: county Hertfordshire in UK. Participants: total 2,987 community-dwelling men women aged 59–73 years age. Measurements: was used as marker sarcopaenia measured using Jamar dynamometer. HRQoL assessed eight domain scores Short Form-36 (SF-36) questionnaire, subjects lowest sex-specific fifth distribution were classified having ‘poor’ status for each domain. Results: with lower significantly more likely report poor opposed excellent fair overall opinion their general health (GH) [odds ratio (OR) per kilogram decrease = 1.13, 95% CI 1.06–1.19, P<0.001 men, 1.07–1.20, women]. Among after adjustment age, size, physical activity known co-morbidity, decreased associated increased prevalence SF-36 functioning (PF) (OR 1.03, 1.01–1.06, P 0.007) GH domains 1.01–1.05, 0.01). Similar associations seen women. Conclusions: our findings suggest that is reduced older This does not appear be explained by or co-morbidity may reflect link generalised frailty. Individuals benefit from interventions improve muscle mass before onset chronic disorders usually impaired HRQoL.