Muscle Strength and Functional Limitations: Preserving Function in Older Mexican Americans.
Ryan McGrath, Sheria G Robinson-Lane, Mark D Peterson and 2 others
PMID 29371128WHAT IT FOUND
Stronger handgrip was linked to less functional loss over two years in older Mexican Americans.
Each 10-kg higher grip was associated with 5% and 8% lower odds of losing instrumental tasks and developing new disability. It does not prove strength training prevents decline.
Key findings
01Each 10-kg higher handgrip strength was associated with 5% lower odds of losing one more instrumental activity of daily living over 2 years.
02Each 10-kg higher handgrip strength was associated with 8% lower odds of onset ADL disability and 12% lower odds of ADL disability progression, compared with no ADL disability at baseline and follow-up.
03Handgrip strength was not significantly associated with persistent ADL disability.
STILL TO COME
How it was doneWhat they foundWhat it means for PTsWhat it means for OTs
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What it does not show
This was an observational study, so it cannot show that stronger grip caused better function; people who are stronger may differ in health, activity, or other ways. No exercise or strength program was tested, so it does not show that improving grip strength will prevent decline. Only participants who could safely perform grip testing at baseline were included, so it may not apply to very frail or disabled older adults. The 2-year gap between measurements may miss short-term illness or hospital events that affected function. Some ADL groups were small, especially persistent ADL disability, so that null result may be unstable. Important factors such as cognition, diet, current health care, and socioeconomic status were not measured. Results are from older Mexican Americans in the studied states and may not apply to other groups.
Declared interests
The authors declare no conflicts of interest.
The easy way to misread this
Do not read this as proof that strength training prevents functional decline. The study observed handgrip strength and function over two years in older Mexican Americans; it did not test an exercise program, and other factors may explain the association.