Research

Mixed

Low handgrip strength and rapid decline in handgrip strength are significant predictors of increased all-cause mortality in individuals aged 85 and older.

For adults over 85, handgrip strength is a critical indicator of survival risk. Regular assessment using a simple dynamometer can help identify those at higher risk of mortality and disability, prompting closer medical attention and potential interventions to preserve muscle strength.

GoodSupportsHIGH confidence
Our results show that low handgrip strength at ages 85 and 89 years, and a greater decline in strength over time, are associated with increased all-cause mortality.
Carolina H. Y. Ling et al. · Canadian Medical Association Journal · 2010

Why this rating

Prospective population-based study with large sample size (n=555) and long follow-up (9.5 years), adjusted for multiple confounders.

Source

Handgrip strength and mortality in the oldest old population: the Leiden 85-plus study

Carolina H. Y. Ling et al. · Canadian Medical Association Journal · 2010

DOI 10.1503/cmaj.091278

cohort · n=555Cited 390×
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DOI resolved against Crossref · corpus check 2026-06-10

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