Dose-response association of handgrip strength and risk of depression

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Handgrip strength is an indicator of sarcopenia and dynapenia, both of which are associated with depression in the elderly. The current study confirmed previous findings by demonstrating an inverse relationship between handgrip strength and risk of depression in both males and females.

Data were obtained from the Survey of Health, Aging, and Retirement in Europe. Handgrip strength was determined using a hand dynamometer and depression was assessed using the Euro-D 12-item scale.

Data obtained from 115,601 adults > 50 years of age (mean age, 64.3 years) were analyzed. The study participants were followed for a median duration of 7.3 years. Of the 115,601 participants, 30,208 (26.1%) were shown to be at risk for depression. There was an inverse relationship between each 1 kg incremental increase in handgrip strength and depression, up to 40 kg in males and 27 kg in females.