Research

Mixed

Low hand-grip strength is a consistent predictor of premature mortality, disability, and postoperative complications in middle-aged and older adults.

Get your grip strength measured, especially if you are over 50. It is a simple, low-cost test that can predict your risk of future health issues like disability or death. If your grip is weak, it is a signal to focus on maintaining muscle function and overall health, potentially through resistance training and adequate nutrition.

GoodSupportsHIGH confidence
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.
Richard W. Bohannon · Journal of Geriatric Physical Therapy · 2008

Why this rating

Based on a systematic review of 45 articles, though the author notes limitations in quality vetting and single-reviewer abstraction.

Source

Hand-Grip Dynamometry Predicts Future Outcomes in Aging Adults

Richard W. Bohannon · Journal of Geriatric Physical Therapy · 2008

DOI 10.1519/00139143-200831010-00002

systematic_reviewCited 939×
Read the paper
DOI resolved against Crossref · corpus check 2026-06-10

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