Association between Hand Grip Strength and Self-Rated Health in Middle- and Old-Aged Korean Citizens

To investigate the relationship between hand grip strength (HGS) and self-rated health in middleand old-aged Korean subjects.

The data used for this study were derived from the Korean Longitudinal Study of Aging. A total of 9,132 participants were enrolled using the year 2006 as the baseline, with additional data collected throughout the followup period until 2016. Chi-square test and generalized estimating equation regression models were used for data analysis. HGS was measured in a sitting position with the elbow fixed at 90° on both sides using a dynamometer, and calculated using the values measured from both sides. Relative HGS was measured by dividing HGS by the subject's body mass index. Self-rated health was assessed with the question "How would you rate your current health in general?" and answers were categorized as "excellent," "moderate," or "poor."

HGS was shown to be inversely associated with self-rated health (odds ratio [OR], 0.94; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.93-0.94; P<0.0001). Patients aged 65 years or older with lower scores were more likely to report poor self-rated health. Similar results were obtained with relative HGS (OR, 0.40; 95% CI, 0.36-0.45; P<0.0001), but standard HGS had better model fitting (quasi-likelihood under independence model criteria=33,890).

HGS may be considered an index for the diagnosis of sarcopenia and may also affect self-rated health, which is a multidimensional indicator of an individual's health status and can identify patients who may require special attention.