Correlation between Health-Related Quality of Life and Hand Grip Strength among Older Adults. Issue 2 (14th March 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Halaweh, Hadeel
• Is Part Of: Experimental aging research. Volume 46:Issue 2(2020)
• Page Start: 178
• Page End: 191
• Publication Date: 2020-03-14
• Subjects: Aging -- Periodicals; Aging -- Research -- Periodicals; Aging -- Periodicals; Research -- Periodicals; 612.67
• DOI: 10.1080/0361073X.2020.1716157
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0361-073X

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Background : With advanced age, the progressive loss of muscle strength estimated by the handgrip strength (HGS) may result in a poorer health-related quality of life (HRQoL). Studying this association becomes a vital area of research for promoting aging-well. The aim of this study was to examine the correlation between HRQoL and HGS among community-dwelling older adults above 60 years old. Methods : Participants comprised of 176 older adults (mean age: 68.15 ± 6.74). The HGS was tested with Jamar® Dynamometer, and the EuroQuol-5 Dimensions 5Levels (EQ-5D-5L) questionnaire was used to assess HRQoL. Results : Both HGS and HRQoL were negatively correlated with age ( p < .001). Lower values of HGS and HRQoL were recorded among older adults who had diagnosed with one or more chronic diseases ( p < .001). Significant correlations were recorded between HGS and functioning, and subjective well-being domains of EQ-5D-5L. A relatively higher association was recorded between the functioning variables of EQ-5D-5L and HGS compared to subjective well- being variables. Conclusion : Handgrip strength is a simple and practical measure in identifying older adults at risk of physical decline. Maintaining handgrip strength may contribute to improving HRQoL, and can add an imperative dimension to promote aging-well in older adults ≥60 years old.