PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — A researcher from the University of Michigan thinks that grip strength should be added to body temperature, heart rate, blood pressure and weight as a fifth vital sign.
There are numerous studies in medical literature that look at strength as a predictor of health. Grip strength is easy to measure and it could be compared to national standards and monitored on the individual level with each visit.
A reduction of grip strength has been associated with heart disease, cancer and Type 2 diabetes as well as several other medical conditions. Most of the studies have been performed on older adults, but it is clear that maintaining strength as we age is a key to living longer and being more active.
Get more medical reports from Dr. Brian McDonough.
KYW Newsradio's Medical Reports are sponsored by Independence Blue Cross.
