Study Links Stronger Grip, Faster Chair Stands to 33%-37% Lower Death Risk in Women
Updated
Updated · mindbodygreen · Jun 2
Study Links Stronger Grip, Faster Chair Stands to 33%-37% Lower Death Risk in Women
1 articles · Updated · mindbodygreen · Jun 2
Summary
About 5,500 women aged 63 to 99 were followed for roughly 8.4 years, and those with the strongest grip or fastest five-time chair stands had markedly lower mortality risk.
The survival link held after adjusting for physical activity, sedentary time, walking speed and inflammation, suggesting muscle strength predicts longevity beyond general fitness levels.
Grip strength and chair-stand speed captured different aspects of health, with only a small correlation between the tests, so researchers said they are not interchangeable markers.
In the study, top performers squeezed more than 24 kg or finished five unassisted chair stands in 11 seconds or less, while taking well over 15 seconds may warrant medical discussion.
The findings point to muscle strength as a modifiable longevity factor in older women, reinforcing resistance training and everyday functional movement as practical targets.