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Depression and Handgrip Strength Among U.S. Adults Aged 60 Years and Older from NHANES 2011–2014

The journal of nutrition, health & aging volume 22, pages 938–943 (2018)Cite this article

Abstract

Objectives

Sarcopenia is a gradual loss of muscle mass and strength that occurs with aging. This muscle deterioration is linked to increased morbidity, disability, and other adverse outcomes. Although reduced handgrip strength can be considered a marker of sarcopenia and other aging-related decline in the elderly, there is limited research on this physical health problem in at-risk groups with common biopsychosocial conditions such as depression. Our primary objective was to ascertain level of combined handgrip strength and its relationship with depression among adults aged 60 years and older.

Design

Unadjusted and adjusted linear regression models were conducted with a cross-sectional survey dataset.

Setting

Secondary dataset from the 2011–2014 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES).

Participants

Community-dwelling, noninstitutionalized adults ≥60 years old (n=3,421).

Measurements

The predictor variables included a positive screen for clinically relevant depression (referent=PHQ-9 score <10). The criterion variable of combined handgrip strength (kg) was determined using a dynamometer.

Results

Mean age and BMI were 69.9 years (51.5% female) and 28.8 kg/m2, respectively. Mean combined handgrip strength in the overall cohort was 73.5 and 46.6 kg in males and females, respectively. Three hundred thirty-six (9.8%) reported symptoms of depression. In unadjusted and fully adjusted models, depression was significantly associated with reduced handgrip strength (B =–0.26±0.79 and B =–0.19±0.08, respectively; p<0.001).

Conclusion

Our findings demonstrate handgrip strength has a significant inverse association with depression. Future longitudinal studies should investigate the causal processes and potential moderators and mediators of the relationships between depression and reduced handgrip strength. This information may further encourage the use of depression and handgrip strength assessments and aid in the monitoring and implementation of health care services that address both physical and mental health limitations among older adult populations.

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Author information

Affiliations

  1. Department of Psychiatry, Geisel School of Medicine and Centers for Health and Aging, Dartmouth College, Lebanon, NH, USA

    Jessica M. Brooks, M. L. Bruce & S. J. Bartels

  2. Department of Rehabilitation and Health Services, University of North Texas, Denton, TX, USA

    Jessica M. Brooks

  3. Quantitative Biomedical Sciences, Dartmouth College, Hanover, NH, USA

    A. J. Titus

  4. Department of Epidemiology, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth College, Hanover, NH, USA

    A. J. Titus

  5. The Dartmouth Institute for Health Policy & Clinical Practice, Lebanon, NH, USA

    M. L. Bruce, S. J. Bartels & J. A. Batsis

  6. Section of Rheumatology, Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center and Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth College, Lebanon, NH, USA

    N. M. Orzechowski

  7. Biomedical Data Science, Dartmouth College, Lebanon, NH, USA

    T. A. Mackenzie

  8. Department of Medicine, Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center and Geisel School of Medicine, Lebanon, NH, USA

    T. A. Mackenzie & J. A. Batsis

  9. Centers for Health and Aging, Lebanon, NH, USA

    J. A. Batsis

  10. Department of Psychiatry, 46, Centerra Parkway, Lebanon, NH, USA, 03766

    Jessica M. Brooks

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  1. Jessica M. Brooks
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  2. A. J. Titus
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Correspondence to Jessica M. Brooks.

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Brooks, J.M., Titus, A.J., Bruce, M.L. et al. Depression and Handgrip Strength Among U.S. Adults Aged 60 Years and Older from NHANES 2011–2014. J Nutr Health Aging 22, 938–943 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12603-018-1041-5

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12603-018-1041-5

Key words

  • Handgrip strength
  • sarcopenia
  • depression
  • epidemiology