Grip strength and functional balance in community-dwelling older women

Background: Effective detection and treatment of balance impairment in older people is a matter of clinical urgency. A screening tool for impaired balance is required, as is clarity regarding the role of muscle strength in balance control. Methods: This observational study examined the relationship between grip strength and balance in 40 community-dwelling women aged 65-95 years. Measures included grip strength, Functional Reach test, Single Leg Stance Test, Timed Up and Go test and the Berg Balance Scale. Correlation analyses were used to investigate relationships between the variables. Findings: Significant correlations were found between grip strength and each of the balance measures. The strongest correlation (r=0.55, P<0.001) was found between right grip strength and the Berg Balance Scale. The weakest correlation (r=-0.36, P=0.012) was between left grip strength and the Timed Up and Go test. Grip strength accounted for only 14%-31% of the variance in balance test scores Conclusions: The association between grip strength and balance was not sufficiently robust for grip strength to be recommended as a screening tool for balance impairment in older people.