Objectively measured physical capability levels and mortality: systematic review and meta-analysis.
Level 3 - non-randomized controlled study
Systematic review and meta-analysis of prospective observational cohort studies
PubMed 20829298 · doi:10.1136/bmj.c4467
What was done
A systematic review and random-effects meta-analysis of published (Medline from 1950 to May 2009, Embase from 1980, reference lists) and unpublished observational studies in community-dwelling populations of any age. Authors evaluated the association between objective measures of physical capability (grip strength, walking speed, chair rising, and standing balance) and all-cause mortality, with adjustments for age, sex, and body size.
What was found
Poorer performance across all four measures was associated with higher all-cause mortality: - Grip strength: Comparing the weakest with the strongest quarter showed a summary hazard ratio (HR) for mortality of 1.67 (95% CI 1.45 to 1.93; 14 studies, n = 53,476; I2 = 84.0%, P < 0.001). The association was also present in cohorts with average age under 60 years (5 studies). - Walking speed: Comparing the slowest with the fastest quarter showed a summary HR of 2.87 (95% CI 2.22 to 3.72; 5 studies, n = 14,692; I2 = 25.2%, P = 0.25). - Walking speed, chair rising, and standing balance were only evaluated in cohorts with an average age over 70 years. Numerical pooled hazard ratios for chair rising and standing balance were not reported in the abstract.
Why it matters
Simple, objective measures of physical capability—especially grip strength and walking speed—consistently predict all-cause mortality risk in community-dwelling populations.
Limits
All included data are from observational studies, preventing causal conclusions. High statistical heterogeneity was detected for grip strength (I2 = 84.0%). Studies on walking speed, chair rising, and standing balance were restricted to older adults (average age >70 years), and the abstract provides no numerical summary estimates for chair rising or balance.
Cited by
- supports Grip strength serves as a clinical proxy for overall body strength and is correlated with longevity.