Grip Strength and Respiratory Disease: The New Essential Biomarker
Grip strength is a simpler, more objective measure than the 6-minute walk test, directly correlating with functional capacity and offering valuable insights into respiratory disease risk and progression.
In this article we explore the link between measuring grip strength and gaining insights into respiratory disease-related risks. But first, what is grip strength and why is measuring grip strength important?
Grip strength is a simpler, more objective measure than the 6-minute walk test, directly correlating with functional capacity and offering valuable insights into respiratory disease risk and progression.
It reflects muscle strength, which declines in chronic conditions such as COPD, where systemic inflammation and muscle loss worsen physical performance and increase mortality risk.
This article explains how grip strength can be used in clinical practice to assess risk, progression and prognosis in patients with respiratory disease. Read on to find out, how is grip strength related to respiratory disease and mortality risk reduction?
Must-Know Metrics: Grip Strength and Respiratory Disease
Grip Strength and Risk of Disease Incidence
For patients aged between 40-69: each 7.7 lbs* drop in grip strength increases respiratory-disease related incidence of:
- Respiratory system disease by 22% in women and 17% in men.
- COPD by 20% in women and 15% in men
Grip Strength in the Prediction and Prevention of Respiratory-Disease Related Mortality
If aged between 40-69: each 7.7 lbs* drop in grip strength increases respiratory-disease related mortality of:
- Respiratory system disease by 31% in women and 24% in men.
- COPD by 2% in women and 19% in men
Achieving a grip strength of 62.4 lbs* reduces the risk of respiratory disease mortality by an impressive 51%.
Grip Strength for Preserving Independence through Early Detection
There is a link between measuring grip strength and all-cause mortality risk reduction. Grip strength testing identifies functional decline caused by advancing muscle atrophy.
Early interventions, including resistance training or muscle-strengthening activities for 30-60 minutes weekly to improve physical fitness, reduces the risk of all-cause mortality, cardiovascular disease, and cancer by 10-17%.
*Note that all cut off points have been converted to GripAble-equivalent measurements for consistency
Grip Strength and Respiratory Disease in Practice
Clinical Application
Measure grip strength during routine check-ups to assess risk factors and track trends over time. For high-risk patients, consider providing a hand dynamometer for regular, at-home monitoring. Pay attention when grip strength drops below cut-off points or decreases by more than a quartile.
Patient Empowerment
Give patients access to their grip strength scores. This is a clear, tangible measure they can easily understand and actively improve with guidance. Unlike blood pressure, grip strength is relatable and empowering, enabling patients to track their progress as a key indicator of their independence.
Practical Considerations
Grip strength is a non-invasive, objective measure offering clear insights into patient well-being and can serve as a valuable substitute for patients unable to perform respiratory assessments.
Impact: Grip Strength and Respiratory Disease
- Reduce Utilization: better risk stratification and monitoring
- Improve Patient Satisfaction: give patients a quick, non-invasive tool to monitor their disease status and response to treatment at home
- Support Risk Adjustment: quantify disease impact by using grip strength as an objective measure of muscle loss.
What next?
For further reading, dive into our extensive collection of studies on using a hand dynamometer, grip strength and more here including:
Contribute: Partner with us in research or patient case studies to advance the knowledge of grip strength as a biomarker.
Understand: Get the essentials on hand dynamometry and how to integrate grip strength into your practice with our comprehensive guide.
Get in touch: Website: able-care.co Email: hello@able-care.co
Citations
Burtin, C., et al. Handgrip weakness and mortality risk in COPD: A multicenter analysis. Thorax, 71(1), 86-87. (2016)
Celis-Morales, CA, et al. Associations of grip strength with cardiovascular, respiratory, and cancer outcomes and all cause mortality: Prospective cohort study of half a million UK Biobank participants. BMJ (Online), 361 (2018).
Chen, L., et al. Better pulmonary function is associated with greater handgrip strength in a healthy Chinese Han population. BMC Pulmonary Medicine, 20(1). (2020)
Jeong M, et al. Hand grip strength in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Int J Chron Obstruct Pulmon Dis. 2017 Aug 9;12:2385-2390.
Mey R, et al. Handgrip strength and respiratory disease mortality: Longitudinal analyzes from SHARE. Pulmonology. 2024 Sep-Oct;30(5):445-451.
Silva, ALG, et al. Handgrip and functional capacity in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease patients. Fisioterapia Em Movimento, 30(3), 501-507. (2017)