Exploring the Connections Between Grip Strength, Nutritional Status, Frailty, Depression, and Cognition as Initial Assessment Tools in Geriatric Rehabilitation—A Pilot Study
2024

Grip Strength and Health in Older Adults

Sample size: 80 publication 10 minutes Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Vancea Nemirschi Amalia Teodora, Lupu Andreea Alexandra, Aivaz Kamer-Ainur, Iliescu Mădălina Gabriela, Deriaz Michel, Marzan Mircea, Spiru Luiza

Primary Institution: Ovidius University of Constanta

Hypothesis

This study aims to evaluate whether a brief yet multidimensional geriatric assessment can serve as a practical tool for healthcare professionals caring for adults over 65.

Conclusion

Higher grip strength is associated with better cognitive function, improved nutritional health, and reduced frailty and depression in older adults.

Supporting Evidence

  • Greater grip strength was associated with better cognitive performance.
  • Better nutritional status was linked to lower frailty and depression levels.
  • Married participants exhibited higher grip strength and lower frailty.

Takeaway

This study shows that older people who can grip stronger tend to think better, eat healthier, and feel less sad or weak.

Methodology

A cross-sectional study design was used to measure grip strength, nutritional status, frailty, depression, and cognition in older adults using standardized scales and a digital dynamometer.

Potential Biases

Subjective data from self-report questionnaires may introduce bias.

Limitations

The sample size may be insufficient to capture full variability, and the cross-sectional design limits causal conclusions.

Participant Demographics

80 older adults, mean age 69.6 years, 49 male and 31 female.

Statistical Information

P-Value

p = 0.034 for grip strength and cognitive performance

Confidence Interval

95% confidence interval for predicting cognitive status from nutritional status is between 0.02 and 0.32.

Statistical Significance

p<0.05

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.3390/medicina60121916

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