Researchers analyzed the link between muscle strength in older adults and overall health quality of life in rural areas.
Earlier studies have shown that those who are physically active have a better health quality of life as compared to those who are not. In a recent study, researchers investigated the association between muscle strength in older adults living in rural areas and the overall health quality of life.
In a recent population-based cross-sectional study the demographic data level of physical activity and status of chronic disease was collected for 2,083 older adults living in Miyun, China. To measure the muscle strength of both upper and lower limbs, handgrip strength and timed up and go tests (TUGT) were performed. To determine the participants’ overall health quality of life, the Euro Quality of Life (Euroqol) (EQ-5D)-Visual Analogue Scale was used.
The researchers published their results in the journal BMJ Open. The study reported that the link between muscle strength and overall health quality of life was stronger in adults aged 80 yrs and older as compared with those between 60 and 79 years old. The TUGT time showed similar results. Additionally, the link between muscle strength and overall health quality of life was stronger in those with chronic diseases as compared with non-chronic disease participants. The TUGT time showed similar results for this group as well.
It is important to note that this study was limited to a specific geographic area, to generalize these results, more study will need to be done in other geographical areas. It is also important to note that the study does not suggest a causal relationship between muscle strength in older adults and overall health quality of life, rather an association between the two. Further study will be necessary to determine whether these results hold true for other populations.
Written by Neha Ramjuttun
Reference: Yang, S., Li, T., Yang, H., Wang, J., Liu, M., & Wang, S. et al. (2020). Association between muscle strength and health-related quality of life in a Chinese rural elderly population: a cross-sectional study. BMJ Open, 10(1), e026560. doi: 10.1136/bmjopen-2018-026560
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