Relevance of Grip Strength Measurement in Primary Care

Background: Grip strength (GS) has been shown to be an independent predictor of cardiovascular disease and all-cause mortality.Despite significant interest and vast literature, the role, if any, of routine GS measurement in a primary care setting remains uncertain.Methods: GS was measured in an unselected group of adult patients presenting to a family medicine residency clinic.Results were correlated with age, sex, activity level, and clinical comorbidities as assessed by the Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI).Results: 254 patients were approached, and 212 agreed to participate.Informed consent was obtained.A negative correlation was identified between GS and age, and also between GS and clinical comorbidities.The age-related decline in HGS was more accelerated in males compared to females.A positive correlation was found between GS and activity level.Age, sex, comorbidities, and activity level were poor predictors of GS. Conclusion:Our study results indicate that GS may be considered as a separate clinical variable that could be measured during routine office visits to help predict future morbidity and mortality.GS measurements are relatively simple to obtain, and the results may additionally help motivate individual patients to improve their adherence to healthier lifestyles.