Handgrip Asymmetry Affects Activity and Cognitive Function in Older Adults
Author Information
Author(s): Chen Liangchi, Han Sae Hwang, Lockman Jeffrey
Primary Institution: The University of Texas Austin
Hypothesis
Does handgrip strength asymmetry influence changes in activity limitations and cognitive function in older adults?
Conclusion
Older adults with dominant handgrip asymmetry experience faster declines in activity and cognitive function compared to those with symmetrical handgrip strength.
Supporting Evidence
- Handgrip strength is a common measure for assessing muscle function.
- HGS asymmetry can indicate functional and cognitive limitations in older adults.
- Individuals with dominant handgrip asymmetry showed a faster rate of activity limitations.
- Cognitive decline was also faster in individuals with dominant handgrip asymmetry.
Takeaway
If one hand is much stronger than the other, older people might have more trouble doing things and thinking clearly as they age.
Methodology
The study analyzed 8 waves of data from the Health and Retirement Study, focusing on handgrip strength asymmetry and its effects on activity and cognitive function.
Limitations
The findings are based on a U.S. sample, which may limit generalizability to other populations.
Participant Demographics
Adults aged 51 and older from a nationally representative sample.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p=.030 for activity limitations; p=.005 for cognitive decline
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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