How Does Muscle Strength in Older Adults Relate to Quality of Life?

A study in BMJ Open considered the association between muscle strength in older adults and overall health quality of life in rural areas, reports the Medical News Bulletin . The demographic data level of physical activity and status of chronic disease was gleaned for 2,083 older adults living in Miyun, China. Handgrip strength and timed up and go tests (TUGT) were performed to quantify the muscle strength of both upper and lower limbs. The Euro Quality of Life Visual Analog Scale was used to ascertain participants' overall health quality of life. The connection between muscle strength and overall health quality of life was stronger in those 80 years and older compared with those between 60 and 79, while the TUGT time yielded similar results. Moreover, the link between muscle strength and overall health quality of life was stronger in those with chronic diseases compared to non-chronic disease participants. The TUGT time also showed similar results for this cohort.