Grip Strength As A Marker Of Health: A CrossSectional Analysis In Working-Age Adults

This cross-sectional study investigated the relationship between grip strength and physical and mental health indicators in working-age adults. While grip strength is a known predictor of frailty and cognitive decline in older populations, its role in younger adults remains underexplored. We hypothesized that grip strength could serve as an indicator of overall health and well-being in this demographic. Eighty-eight participants from a local university were assessed using a Jamar Dynamometer for grip strength and the Short Physical Performance Battery for gait speed. They also completed questionnaires on demographics, health status, physical activity, perceived stress, and psychiatric history, including PHQ-2 for depression screening. Grip strength was significantly associated with height, weight, physical activity, gender, medication use, and medical diagnosis, while gait speed showed no significant associations. Multivariate regression identified weight, gender, and physical activity as significant predictors of grip strength. Higher weight and male gender correlated with greater grip strength, whereas lower physical activity levels were linked to reduced grip strength. However, medical diagnoses, weight loss, and perceived stress were not significant predictors. These findings suggest grip strength could be a useful screening tool for health assessment in younger adults. Its associations with multiple health parameters highlight its potential for early detection of health risks. However, the absence of a link between grip strength and gait speed, along with non-significant predictors, warrants further study. Integrating grip strength assessments into clinical practice may enhance preventive care and overall well-being.