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Grip Strength as an Indicator of Health-Related Quality of Life in Old Age—A Pilot Study

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  • Christina Musalek

    (Department of Anthropology, University of Vienna, Althanstrasse 14, A-1090 Vienna, Austria)

  • Sylvia Kirchengast

    (Department of Anthropology, University of Vienna, Althanstrasse 14, A-1090 Vienna, Austria)

Abstract

Over the last century life expectancy has increased dramatically nearly all over the world. This dramatic absolute and relative increase of the old aged people component of the population has influenced not only population structure but also has dramatic implications for the individuals and public health services. The aim of the present pilot study was to examine the impact of physical well-being assessed by hand grip strength and social factors estimated by social contact frequency on health-related quality of life among 22 men and 41 women ranging in age between 60 and 94 years. Physical well-being was estimated by hand grip strength, data concerning subjective wellbeing and health related quality of life were collected by personal interviews based on the WHOQOL-BREF questionnaires. Number of offspring and intergenerational contacts were not related significantly to health-related quality of life, while social contacts with non-relatives and hand grip strength in contrast had a significant positive impact on health related quality of life among old aged men and women. Physical well-being and in particular muscle strength—estimated by grip strength—may increase health-related quality of life and is therefore an important source for well-being during old age. Grip strength may be used as an indicator of health-related quality of life.

Suggested Citation

  • Christina Musalek & Sylvia Kirchengast, 2017. "Grip Strength as an Indicator of Health-Related Quality of Life in Old Age—A Pilot Study," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 14(12), pages 1-12, November.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:14:y:2017:i:12:p:1447-:d:120200
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    Cited by:

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    4. Tina Auerswald & Anna Hendker & Tiara Ratz & Sonia Lippke & Claudia R. Pischke & Manuela Peters & Jochen Meyer & Kai von Holdt & Claudia Voelcker-Rehage, 2022. "Impact of Activity Tracker Usage in Combination with a Physical Activity Intervention on Physical and Cognitive Parameters in Healthy Adults Aged 60+: A Randomized Controlled Trial," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(7), pages 1-20, March.
    5. Dongzhe Wu & Xiaolin Gao & Yongjin Shi & Hao Wang & Wendi Wang & Yanbin Li & Zicheng Zheng, 2022. "Association between Handgrip Strength and the Systemic Immune-Inflammation Index: A Nationwide Study, NHANES 2011–2014," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(20), pages 1-12, October.
    6. Ana F. Silva & Jose Mª Cancela & Irimia Mollinedo & Miguel Camões & Pedro Bezerra, 2021. "The Relationship between Health Perception and Health Predictors among the Elderly across European Countries," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(8), pages 1-10, April.
    7. Vitor A. Marques & João B. Ferreira-Junior & Thiago V. Lemos & Rafael F. Moraes & José Roberto de S. Junior & Rafael R. Alves & Maria S. Silva & Ruffo de Freitas-Junior & Carlos A. Vieira, 2020. "Effects of Chemotherapy Treatment on Muscle Strength, Quality of Life, Fatigue, and Anxiety in Women with Breast Cancer," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(19), pages 1-10, October.

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