Uneven handgrip strength was associated with higher mortality in cohort studies
A pooled analysis linked grip imbalance to deaths from any cause and cardiovascular causes, but it does not show that correcting the imbalance changes risk.
Based on the published abstract. The full paper may contain additional methods, results and limitations.
The 30-second takeaway
Uneven strength between hands was associated with higher mortality from any cause and from cardiovascular disease. Compared with imbalance alone, imbalance alongside low strength showed a stronger association with deaths from any cause. These observational findings suggest a possible risk marker; they do not show that imbalance causes death or that correcting it improves survival.
This abstract-based account lacks follow-up lengths, definitions of grip asymmetry, reference-group details and adjustment methods. Those omissions limit interpretation of the pooled associations and prevent estimating an individual's absolute probability of death.
Balance as well as strength
The review asked whether differences between hands provide information beyond overall grip strength. It combined studies that followed participants over time, assessing mortality associations rather than testing an intervention to change grip balance.
Consistency does not establish causation
The authors reported that the associations remained consistent in subgroup and sensitivity analyses. That consistency supports the observed pattern, but it does not establish causation or show how useful the measure would be for an individual person.
The original publication
Handgrip strength asymmetry is associated with mortality risk: Systematic review and meta-analysis.
Ran M, Yu Y, Chen L et al.
Arch Gerontol Geriatr · 2026
- PubMed ID
- 41955643
- Record checked
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