Is maximum grip strength a reliable predictor of hand limitations among older adults?

Grip strength is commonly used to assess hand function among older adults. While shown to be associated with disability, the degree to which grip strength specifically predicts hand limitations is unknown.

The primary aim of this study was to evaluate grip strength as a predictor of hand limitations.

Using the 2011-14 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), we classified older adults reporting one or more hand limitations versus those with no limitations. Odds ratios were used to assess the association between grip strength (separated into quartiles) and the likelihood of a hand limitation while controlling for sex, race/ethnicity, education level, income, and pain. Receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curves were used to evaluate the degree to which grip strength discriminates between older adults with and without a hand limitation.

We identified 2064 older adults (age ≥ 65), 31% of whom reported a hand-related limitation. Older adults with very low grip strength (weakest quartile) were more likely to report at least one limitation (OR: 6.1, 95% CI: 3.2, 11.8) than those with high grip strength (strongest quartile). However, grip strength had poor to moderate discrimination of hand limitations (ROC area under curves: 0.65-0.81).

While self-reported hand limitations were associated with lower grip strength; overall, it is a relatively poor predictor of hand impairments among older adults.

Better assessments are needed to adequately evaluate upper extremity impairments to help older adults maintain functional independence.