Poor Handgrip Strength And Risk Of Falls In Older Women

Abstract

Falls are the leading cause of fatal and nonfatal injuries among older people, although its association with handgrip strength is less characterized. PURPOSE: To prospectively assess the association between poor handgrip strength and incidence of falls in older women. METHODS: The cohort included 204 women (68.1 ± 6.2 years) who were assessed for handgrip strength (Jamar Dynamometer) at baseline and followed up for 18 months. FNIH Sarcopenia threshold of handgrip strength adjusted for body mass index (BMI) (<0.56) was used for clinical determination of muscle weakness. Multivariable Cox hazard models were analyzed in the total cohort and stratified by postural balance (near tandem stand test cutoff: 10 s) status. RESULTS: During the follow-up, 56 (27%) women experienced at least one event of falls. Compared to women with normal handgrip strength, women who had poor handgrip strength adjusted for BMI exhibited significantly higher risk for falls [Hazard Ratio (HR): 2.2, 95% Confidence Interval (CI) (1.1 - 4.6), p= 0.031]. The risk was even greater in a stratified analysis among women with impaired balance [HR: 3.2, 95% CI: (1.3 - 7.7), p= 0.011] but not significant (p= 0.440) in women with normal balance. CONCLUSIONS: Poor handgrip strength adjusted for BMI is associated with higher risk of falls in older women and particularly in those with impaired postural balance. These results suggest potential prognostic value of handgrip strength testing in risk stratification for falls.