Sarcopenia, Grip Strength, Walking Pace, and New-Onset Stroke Risk: A UK Biobank Study.
Li-Li Tang1, Yu-Hui Huang2, Yu-Jia Jin1
1Department of Neurology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University, School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China (L.-L.T., Y.-J.J., K.-C.Y., F.G., L.-S.T.).
Stroke
|May 8, 2026
Summary
Sarcopenia, low grip strength, and slow walking pace increase stroke risk and mortality. These factors are significant indicators for potential stroke events and outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Neurology
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Novel stroke risk factors are under investigation.
- Sarcopenia, grip strength, and walking pace are potential indicators of health status.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the association between sarcopenia status, grip strength, and walking pace with incident stroke and poststroke mortality.
Main Methods:
- Prospective study of 482,699 participants from the UK Biobank.
- Sarcopenia assessed using EWGSOP2 criteria.
- Incident strokes and mortality analyzed using Cox models and Kaplan-Meier analysis. Mendelian randomization used for causal inference.
Main Results:
- Probable sarcopenia (4.7% prevalence) was linked to higher risks of any stroke (aHR, 1.30), ischemic stroke (aHR, 1.31), and hemorrhagic stroke (aHR, 1.41).
- Lower grip strength and slower walking pace also correlated with increased stroke risk.
- Sarcopenia was associated with higher all-cause mortality post-stroke. Mendelian randomization indicated a faster walking pace reduces stroke risk.
Conclusions:
- Sarcopenia status, reduced grip strength, and slower walking pace are associated with increased risk of incident stroke.
- These factors also correlate with higher all-cause mortality following a stroke.
