scholarly journals Reliability of Grip Strength as a Predictor of Hand Limitation Among U.S. Older Adults: How Good is Grip Strength?

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 903-904
Author(s):  
Rachel Logue ◽  
Susan Brown ◽  
Rebecca Hasson ◽  
Matthew Davis

Abstract Grip strength is commonly used to assess hand function in older adults and is associated with health outcomes including muscle strength, cognition, and mortality. However, the degree to which grip strength predicts an actual hand limitation is unknown. This study evaluated grip strength as a predictor of hand limitations associated with activities of daily living. Using the 2011-14 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), we selected five self-reported hand-related functional limitations to classify older adults reporting one or more limitations versus those with no limitations. We identified 2,064 older adults (age≥65), 31% of whom reported a hand-related limitation. Odds ratios were used to assess the association between grip strength quartile and the likelihood of a hand limitation while controlling for sex, race/ethnicity, education level, income, and pain. Receiver operator curves were used to evaluate the degree to which grip strength discriminates between those with limitations versus those without. Older adults with very low grip strength (lowest quartile) were more likely to have at least one limitation (OR:6.1, 95% CI:3.2,11.8) than those with high grip strength (highest quartile). However, receiver operator curves suggested grip strength only modestly discriminated hand limitations (area under curve:0.71). While self-reported hand limitations were associated with lower grip strength, it was a relatively poor predictor of hand impairments among older adults. This study suggests grip strength may not predict hand function as well as previously thought. Better assessments are needed to adequately evaluate upper extremity impairments to help older adults maintain functional independence.

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 551-551
Author(s):  
Yujin Franco ◽  
Joseph Saenz ◽  
Yuri Jang ◽  
Jessica Ho

Abstract Self-rated memory is an important dimension of well-being among older adults that has also been linked to cognitive impairment over the long term. However, few studies based on nationally-representative samples have examined differences in self-rated memory by race/ethnicity. This study explores differences in self-rated memory across non-Hispanic White, non-Hispanic Black, and Hispanic older adults in the United States. Data were drawn from the 2011 wave of the National Health and Aging Trends Study (NHATS). The sample consisted of older adults aged 65 and older (N=4,753 non-Hispanic Whites, N=1,442 non-Hispanic Blacks, and N=388 Hispanics). Logistic regression was used to examine the association between having poor/fair self-rated memory and race/ethnicity, controlling for socio-demographic characteristics (age, gender, education level, income, and marital status), chronic conditions (heart attack, hypertension, diabetes, stroke, and depressive symptoms), objective memory status, functional limitations (activities of daily living and instrumental activities of daily living), and other social and cultural factors (economic vulnerability, religious practice, and limited English proficiency). I find that non-Hispanic Blacks and Hispanics have significantly higher odds of reporting poor/fair self-rated memory than non-Hispanic Whites. Compared to non-Hispanic Whites, Blacks and Hispanics had 33% and 56% higher odds of reporting poor/fair self-rated memory, respectively, controlling for sociodemographic characteristics, chronic conditions, objective memory status, functional limitations, and social and cultural factors. These results provide evidence that understanding differences in self-rated memory across racial/ethnic groups may have important implications for health professionals, particularly in relation to conducting and interpreting cognitive screening assessments.


2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S682-S683
Author(s):  
Elizabeth Vasquez ◽  
Ana R Quiñones ◽  
Lenore Gensburg

Abstract Current research regarding grip strength highlights the robustness of grip strength as a predictor of morbidity and mortality. The aim of this study was to evaluate the association of grip strength over four years with functional limitations among racially/ethnically diverse older adults. We analyzed National Health and Aging Trends Study (NHATS) data 2010-2014. Our sample included 4,413 adults > 65 years old. Functional limitation was defined as a sum of difficulty performing eight ADL/IADLs (range 0-8) at each wave. Grip strength was measured using a digital hand dynamometer and readings were recorded in kilograms (kg) (maximum of 32 kg for men and > 20 kg for women). We estimated stratified linear regression models by race/ethnicity and age, and adjusted for BMI, education, and gender. The majority of the sample was between 65-79 years of age (64%), 55.1% were female and the average BMI was 27.5. We found that differences in ADL/IADL limitations increased and grip strength decreased over the four year period of observation. We also found racial/ethnic differences between waves 1 and 4 with greater ADL/IADL limitations for Hispanics with lower grip strength scores compared to non-Hispanic whites. There were racial/ethnic differences in the association between grip strength and ADL/IADL over time in Non-Hispanic blacks and Hispanics when compared to Non-Hispanic whites. This is an important issue to address since loss of muscle strength in older adults may lead to several negative outcomes such as limited activities of daily living which may affect older adults differentially based on race/ethnicity.


Stroke ◽  
2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Samar Hmaied Assadi ◽  
Haim Barel ◽  
Israel Dudkiewicz ◽  
Revital Feige Gross-Nevo ◽  
Debbie Rand

Background and Purpose: The upper extremity (UE) ipsilateral to the brain lesion is mildly affected poststroke. It is unclear whether patients perceive this, and the association between less-affected hand function and independence in activities of daily living (ADL) is unknown. We aimed to (1) assess longitudinal changes in function, dexterity, grip strength, and self-perception of the less-affected UE, (2) compare them to the normative data, and (3) determine the association of both UEs to ADL during the first 6 months poststroke. Methods: Consecutive adults following a first stroke were assessed on rehabilitation admission (T1), 6 weeks (T2), and 6 months (T3) poststroke onset. Box and block test assessed function of both UEs. The functional dexterity test (FDT) and Jamar Dynamometer assessed dexterity and grip strength of the less-affected UE. The functional independence measure assessed ADL, and instrumental ADL was assessed at T3. Spearman correlations and multiple regression models were used. Results: Participants were assessed at T1 (N=87), T2 (N=82), and T3 (N=68). At T1, less-affected UE deficits were apparent (median [interquartile range] box and block test-45 [35–53] blocks, FDT-44.5 [33.3–60.8] seconds, grip-25.5 [16.2–33.9] kilograms), but only 19.5% of the participants self-perceived this. Less-affected hand function significantly improved with 32% and 33% achieving a minimal clinically important difference for box and block test at T2 and T3, respectively. Dexterity improved significantly between T1 and T2 ( P <0.001, no established minimal clinically important difference) and grip strength improved significantly between T2 and T3; 3.4% achieving a minimal clinically important difference ( P <0.01). At T3, most participants did not reach the norms (box and block test-67.4 blocks, FDT-32.2 seconds, grip-40.5 kilograms). Both the less- and more-affected UEs explained a large portion of the variance of ADL at all time-points, after controlling for age, days-since-stroke-onset, stroke type, and cognition. Conclusions: Despite some improvement, the less-affected UE at 6 months poststroke remained below norms, explaining difficulties in ADL and instrumental ADL. Further research is needed.


SLEEP ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 44 (Supplement_2) ◽  
pp. A67-A67
Author(s):  
Sonya Kaur ◽  
Katalina McInerney ◽  
Mitchell Slugh ◽  
Annelly Bure ◽  
Marina Sarno ◽  
...  

Abstract Introduction Frailty, a multidimensional construct of decreased reserve is an important predictor of functional independence and quality of life in older adults. There is a growing body of evidence highlighting reduced sleep efficiency and sleep duration predicts frailty in older adults. However, the sex differences in these relationships have been understudied. Methods 253 participants (163) ranging in age from 50-92 years (mean= 67.59 years, S.D.= 9.22 years), underwent frailty assessment and completed the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) and the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS). Statistical moderation was assessed using nonparametric bootstrapping. All models statistically controlled for age, education and depression status. Results Higher scores on the PSQI predicted higher levels of fatigue (β=1.87, 95% CI= 0.48-3.27) and higher grip strength with the left hand (β= 0.81, 95% CI= 0.85-1.53). These relationships were significantly moderated by sex (β=-0.77, p=0.05 & β=-0.52, p=0.01). Specifically, high scores on the PSQI predicted more fatigue stronger grip strength in men (β=1.11, 95% CI=0.41-1.81) and weaker grip strength in women (β=-0.25, 95% CI=-0.51--0.02). There was no association between scores on the ESS and any of the frailty measures. Conclusion The relationships between PSQI scores and measures of fatigue and grip strength were statistically moderated by sex. These differences are not explained by sex differences in overall sleep quality or baseline frailty. This is consistent with the literature emphasizing sex differences in the effects of risk/lifestyle factors. It is possible that the relationship between sleep quality and frailty is altered by additional hormonal factors and warrant further investigation. Support (if any) This research was supported by the Evelyn F. McKnight Brain Research Foundation


BMJ Open ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (11) ◽  
pp. e039295
Author(s):  
Mary L. Greaney ◽  
Steven A. Cohen ◽  
Furong Xu ◽  
Christie L Ward-Ritacco ◽  
Deborah Riebe

ObjectivesTo determine if adults with overweight or obesity received counselling from their healthcare providers (HCPs) to lose weight and/or adopt healthful behaviours associated with weight loss, and whether they took action on their HCPs’ recommendations.DesignCross-sectional analysis of 2011–2018 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) data.SampleNHANES respondents aged 18+ who were overweight/obese and had seen an HCP in the previous 12 months (n=13 158).MethodsRespondents reported if their HCPs recommended they control/lose weight, increase exercise/physical activity (PA) and/or reduce fat/calorie intake, and if they adopted the offered recommendation(s). Weighted logistic regression models examined receipt of HCP counselling by sex, age, race/ethnicity, and weight status accounting for demographic characteristics and complex sampling. Similar analyses examined reported adoption of HCPs’ recommendations.ResultsThe sample was 53.1% women, 45.0% were overweight and 55.0% had obesity. In total, 40.4% received counselling to control/lose weight, 49.5% to increase exercise/PA and 38.9% to reduce fat/calorie intake. The following groups were less likely (p<0.001) to receive counselling: men; younger adults (aged 18–39) versus middle-aged (aged 40–64) and older adults (aged 65+); White versus Black and Hispanic respondents; overweight respondents versus respondents with obesity. Approximately half of those advised to make changes reported doing so (53.6% controlled/lost weight, 57.3% increased exercise/PA, 51.8% reduced fat/calorie intake). Differences in the adoption of recommendations were identified by sex, age group, race/ethnicity and weight status (all p<0.05); women, middle-aged and older adults, Black and Hispanic respondents and individuals with obesity were more likely to adopt one or more recommendations.ConclusionMost respondents did not receive HCP counselling, and approximately half of those who received counselling reported taking action. HCPs may need training to provide counselling and to offer recommendations tailored to the social contexts of populations less likely to adopt weight control related recommendations.


2020 ◽  
Vol 30 (Supplement_5) ◽  
Author(s):  
L de Albuquerque Araújo ◽  
G Icaza Noguera ◽  
C Albala Brevis

Abstract We are experiencing the highest levels of life expectancy and it poses challenges in the maintenance of the functional capacity in old age. This study seeks to determine the relation between social integration and functional limitation in Chilean older adults. Cross-sectional study with baseline of two cohort studies: the SABE cohort (born before 1940) and the Alexandros cohort (born between 1940 and 1948 from Primary Health Care centers), from Santiago. Were considered 1733 elderly. Performance variables were studied in seven Instrumental Activity of Daily Living (IADL): preparing food, managing money, leaving home alone, making purchases, making or receiving calls, doing light housework, organizing and taking medications, and six basic Activities of Daily Living (ADL): bathing, dressing, use of the bathroom, transfer, continence of urine and feeding. Having difficulties or inability to perform at least one activity was classified as having functional limitations. Social integration variables were: participation in community groups, clubs or organizations and in recreational activities. Adjustment variables were: sex, age, educational level, household income, depression, cognitive impairment and multimorbidity. Robust Poisson Regression was performed and prevalence ratios (PR) of functional limitation in ADL and IADL were reported. The level of significance was ≤0.5. Prevalence of functional limitations in ADL was 73.3% and in AIVD was 37.1%. Who participated in recreational activities have a lower prevalence of functional limitation in ADL (PR 0.85; 95%CI 0.80-0.90) and in IADL (PR 0.74; 95% CI0.63-0.86). Participation in community groups, clubs or organizations was associated with a lower prevalence of limitation in ADL (RP 0.78; 95%CI 0.71-0.87), although it was not significantly related to performance in IADL. Greater social integration in adulthood is a protective factor for limitation in ADL and IADL and should be the subject of public policies in Chile. Key messages Social integration seems to be a protective factor for functional limitation in Chilean older adults. Society and public policies should give greater opportunity for the elderly to participate in recreational activities and community groups.


Author(s):  
James S Andrews ◽  
Laura S Gold ◽  
May J Reed ◽  
Jose M Garcia ◽  
Robyn L McClelland ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Half of all physical disability, including activity of daily living (ADL) disability, among older adults occurs in the setting of hospitalization. This study examines whether appendicular lean mass (ALM) and grip strength, which are commonly included in various definitions of sarcopenia, are associated with development of hospital-associated ADL disability in older adults in the Health ABC Study. Methods Individuals hospitalized during the first 5 years of follow-up (n=1,724) were analyzed. ALM to body mass index (BMI) ratio (ALMBMI), by dual energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA), and grip strength, by hand-held dynamometery, were assessed annually. Development of new ADL disability was assessed at the time of the next annual assessment after hospitalization. Separate regression analyses modeled the association of pre-hospitalization ALMBMI or grip strength with death before the next scheduled annual assessment. Next, among those who survived to the next annual assessment, separate regression analyses modeled the association of ALMBMI or grip strength with development of ADL disability. Results Each standard deviation decrement in pre-hospitalization grip strength was associated with an adjusted 1.80 odds of new ADL disability at follow-up (95% CI: 1.18, 2.74). Low, compared to not low, grip strength (per FNIH definition) was associated with an adjusted 2.36 odds of ADL disability at follow-up (95% CI: 1.12, 4.97). ALM measures were not associated with development of hospital-associated ADL disability. ALM and grip strength measures were not associated with death. Conclusions Pre-hospitalization lower grip strength may be an important risk factor for ADL disability among older adult survivors of hospitalization.


Curationis ◽  
2003 ◽  
Vol 26 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
I Shipham

Persons with rheumatoid arthritis use assistive devices to enable them, in spite of impaired hand dexterity and grip strength, to manage Activities of Daily Living (ADL).


Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document