Richard W Bohannon1. 1. Department of Physical Therapy, Neag School of Education, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT 06269-2101, USA. richard.bohannon@uconn.edu
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: One use of clinical measures is the prediction of future outcomes. The purpose of this systematic review was to summarize the literature addressing the value of grip strength as a predictor of important outcomes. METHODS: Relevant literature was located using 4 bibliographic databases, searching article reference lists, and perusing personal files. RESULTS: Forty-five relevant research articles were found. The research involved both healthy subjects and patients; it tended to focus on middle-aged and older adults. The primary outcome addressed was mortality/survival (24 articles), but disability (9 articles), complications and/or increased length of stay (12 articles), and other outcomes were also examined. Low grip strength was shown consistently to be associated with a greater likelihood of premature mortality, the development of disability, and an increased risk of complications or prolonged length of stay after hospitalization or surgery. CONCLUSIONS: Given its predictive validity and simplicity, dynamometrically measured grip strength should be considered as a vital sign useful for screening middle-aged and older adults.
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: One use of clinical measures is the prediction of future outcomes. The purpose of this systematic review was to summarize the literature addressing the value of grip strength as a predictor of important outcomes. METHODS: Relevant literature was located using 4 bibliographic databases, searching article reference lists, and perusing personal files. RESULTS: Forty-five relevant research articles were found. The research involved both healthy subjects and patients; it tended to focus on middle-aged and older adults. The primary outcome addressed was mortality/survival (24 articles), but disability (9 articles), complications and/or increased length of stay (12 articles), and other outcomes were also examined. Low grip strength was shown consistently to be associated with a greater likelihood of premature mortality, the development of disability, and an increased risk of complications or prolonged length of stay after hospitalization or surgery. CONCLUSIONS: Given its predictive validity and simplicity, dynamometrically measured grip strength should be considered as a vital sign useful for screening middle-aged and older adults.
Authors: Ola Sternäng; Chandra A Reynolds; Deborah Finkel; Marie Ernsth-Bravell; Nancy L Pedersen; Anna K Dahl Aslan Journal: Age Ageing Date: 2014-11-01 Impact factor: 10.668
Authors: Jeannette M Beasley; Betsy C Wertheim; Andrea Z LaCroix; Ross L Prentice; Marian L Neuhouser; Lesley F Tinker; Stephen Kritchevsky; James M Shikany; Charles Eaton; Zhao Chen; Cynthia A Thomson Journal: J Am Geriatr Soc Date: 2013-10-28 Impact factor: 5.562