Age-related normative values for handgrip strength and grip strength's usefulness as a predictor of mortality and both cognitive and physical decline in older adults in northwest Russia.

• Main Authors: Turusheva, Anna, Frolova, Elena, Degryse, Jean-Marie
• Other Authors: UCL - SSS/IRSS - Institut de recherche santé et société
• Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
• Language: English
• Published: The International Society of Musculoskeletal and Neuronal Interactions 2017
• Subjects: Age-related Reference Intervals; Grip Strength; Older Adults; Northwest Russia
• Online Access: http://hdl.handle.net/2078.1/183597

Objectives: This paper sought to provide normative values for grip strength among older adults across different age groups in northwest Russia and to investigate their predictive value for adverse events. Methods: A population-based prospective cohort study of 611 community-dwelling individuals 65+. Grip strength was measured using the standard protocol applied in the Groningen Elderly Tests. The cut-off thresholds for grip strength were defined separately for men and women of different ages using a weighted polynomial regression. A Cox regression analysis, the c-statistic, a risk reclassification analysis, and bootstrapping techniques were used to analyze the data. The outcomes were the 5-year mortality rate, the loss of autonomy and mental decline. Results: We determined the age-related reference intervals of grip strength for older adults. The 5thand 10thpercentiles of grip strength were associated with a higher risk for malnutrition, low autonomy, physical and mental functioning and 5-year mortality. The 5thpercentile of grip strength was associated with a decline in autonomy. Conclusions: This study presents age- and sex-specific reference values for grip strength in the 65+ Russian population derived from a prospective cohort study. The norms can be used in clinical practice to identify patients at increased risk for adverse outcomes. © 2017, International Society of Musculoskeletal and Neuronal Interactions