Is weakness in handgrip strength a sign of disease?

While it may seem like a seemingly mundane gesture, shaking hands can reveal surprisingly much about the body's overall health. A decline in handgrip strength, particularly with age, can be a sign of sarcopenia, a condition characterized by decreased muscle mass and strength. Scientific studies reveal that low handgrip strength is linked not only to musculoskeletal issues but also to serious health problems. In short, shaking hands shouldn't be overlooked. This simple gesture carries a silent yet powerful message about the body's resilience and quality of life.

We spoke with Prof. Dr. Cemil Ertürk from the Orthopedics and Traumatology Clinic of Kanuni Sultan Süleyman Training and Research Hospital about the effects of handgrip strength on health, which diseases it is associated with, and how it is used in clinical evaluations.

Professor Dr. Ertürk began his speech by explaining sarcopenia, one of the most significant causes of decreased handgrip strength. He said, "Sarcopenia is a syndrome characterized by decreased muscle mass, as well as decreased muscle strength and function. It is seen in older adults." Prof. Dr. Ertürk explains the process as follows: A single test alone is not sufficient to diagnose sarcopenia, but rather a comprehensive assessment consisting of various measurements is required.

“It includes complex and difficult tests such as measuring body mass index, gait analysis, and measuring hand grip strength, which are difficult for children of this age to perform.”

Among these tests, the easiest and fastest method is the handshake. "During a handshake, we not only sense hand warmth, dryness, wetness, and tremors, but also hand strength," says Prof. Dr. Ertürk. Thus, a simple greeting gesture can provide an important preliminary assessment of a person's muscle strength and, consequently, their overall health.

There are numerous scientific studies demonstrating the relationship between handgrip strength and sarcopenia and other accompanying health problems. Prof. Dr. Ertürk particularly highlights studies conducted in the Far East. He cites one of these as follows:

A study conducted in South Korea involving 10,000 people found that over a 10-year period, the mortality rate was twice as high in individuals with weak hand strength. There are numerous similar high-quality studies. High-level meta- analyses, which are the sum of these studies, have also identified a link between hand strength and internal organ diseases such as cardiovascular disease. It has also been stated that when hand strength decreases, the risk of cardiovascular disease and even premature death increases.

Research shows that handgrip strength may be directly linked not only to muscle health but also to the health of vital organs and lifespan. For example, grip strength is reported to decrease significantly in Type 2 diabetes, a common condition in older adults.

It's also been established that a weakened handgrip increases the risk of bone fractures and fragility. Studies have also shown that handgrip strength decreases in neurological diseases such as Parkinson's, Alzheimer's, dementia , and stroke. Prof. Dr. Ertürk states, "Simply by squeezing a patient's hand, we can identify muscle weakness. We can also get early warning of some accompanying illnesses."