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Grip strength cutpoints for the identification of clinically relevant weakness
Dawn E Alley1, Michelle D Shardell, Katherine W Peters
1University of Maryland School of Medicine, 660W. Redwood St #221B, Baltimore, MD 21201. dalley@epi.umaryland.edu.
Summary
New grip strength cutpoints identify weakness linked to mobility impairment in older adults. These findings can help target interventions for muscle strength and function in at-risk populations.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Physical Medicine
- Biostatistics
Background:
- Muscle weakness is a common contributor to disability in older adults.
- A lack of consensus exists on defining strength cutpoints for identifying individuals at high risk.
- This study aimed to establish grip strength cutpoints associated with mobility impairment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify grip strength cutpoints that distinguish weakness associated with mobility impairment (gait speed < 0.8 m/s).
- To analyze these cutpoints in a large, diverse sample of older men and women.
Main Methods:
- Classification and Regression Tree (CART) analysis was employed.
- Pooled cross-sectional data from 9,897 men and 10,950 women were utilized.
- Grip strength was the primary measure analyzed for association with mobility impairment.
Main Results:
- In men, <26 kg grip strength was classified as "weak" (OR 7.62 for mobility impairment).
- In women, <16 kg grip strength was classified as "weak" (OR 4.42 for mobility impairment).
- These associations remained consistent across various demographic and health subgroups.
Conclusions:
- Derived grip strength cutpoints can identify older adults at risk of mobility impairment.
- These cutpoints may aid in targeting interventions to improve muscle strength and function.
- The findings support the use of specific grip strength thresholds for clinical and research purposes.
