MightyMitts

Grip Strength & Falls

You know how sometimes you lose your balance and almost trip? Or maybe you've seen an older person take a tumble? Falls can be scary, especially as we get older.
Further Information

Did you know that more than one in four older adults over 65 fall each year.

And when they fall once, they double their chances of falling again. Even more concerning, less than half of the adults who fall tell their doctors.

Grip strength and falls are more connected than you might think.

Here's a breakdown of their relationship:

Muscle Power and Balance:

Grip strength is a good indicator of overall muscle strength, including the muscles in your arms, shoulders, and core. These muscles are essential for maintaining balance and stability, which are crucial for preventing falls.

Reaction Time:

When you start to lose your balance, your muscles need to react quickly to help you recover and avoid a fall. Stronger muscles, including those in your hands and forearms, contribute to faster reaction times and better balance recovery.

Impact Absorption:

If you do fall, strong muscles can help cushion the impact and reduce the severity of injuries. A strong grip often reflects stronger bones as well, which are less likely to fracture in a fall.

Confidence and Fear of Falling:

Improved grip strength can boost your confidence in your physical abilities, reducing the fear of falling. This fear can sometimes lead to decreased activity and further muscle weakness, creating a vicious cycle.

It might sound strange, but think of it like this:

Strong hands, steady body:

When you have a strong grip, it means you have strong muscles in your hands and arms. These muscles help you keep your balance and stay steady on your feet. It's like having extra support to prevent those wobbly moments.

Grip strength and your bones:

Strong muscles also help keep your bones strong and healthy. Just like exercising your arms makes them stronger, using your hands and gripping things can actually make your bones stronger too!

A warning sign for weak bones:

Sometimes, a weak grip can be a sign that your bones are getting weaker too. This is especially important for older adults, as weaker bones can lead to a condition called osteoporosis, which makes you more prone to fractures.

Protecting yourself from falls:

By keeping your hands and arms strong, you're not only improving your grip but also building a stronger foundation to prevent falls.

Protecting One squeeze at a time, a world of difference: from falls:

Our 12-Week Program, Nutrition Guide, and Recipe book can help you strengthen your grip and body, making a big difference in your balance and bone health.

Several studies have shown a strong correlation between grip strength and fall risk:

So, while it might seem like a small thing, paying attention to your grip strength can actually be a big step towards preventing falls and keeping your bones strong and healthy. If you have any concerns about your grip strength or your risk of falls, talk to your doctor. They can help you find ways to stay strong and steady on your feet!

Journal of Geriatric Physical Therapy

A study in the Journal of Geriatric Physical Therapy (Almeida et al., 2015) found that weaker grip strength was a significant predictor of falls in older adults living independently.

Journals of Gerontology

Research published in the Journals of Gerontology (Rantanen et al., 2010) showed that grip strength is a stronger predictor of mortality than muscle mass alone in elderly men, highlighting its importance for overall health and longevity, which includes fall prevention.

Osteoporosis International

A study in Osteoporosis International demonstrated that grip strength is a predictor of fractures in older adults, likely due to its connection to muscle mass, bone health, and fall risk.

How MightyMitts Can Help

The MightyMitts Health Kit is designed to help improve grip, balance, strength, and mobility, which can contribute to better balance and a reduced risk of falls. It includes:

Dynamometer:

The digital dynamometer allows you to accurately measure your grip strength and track your progress over time.

Handgrip Strengthener Set:

Build strength in your hands and forearms.

Resistance Bands:

Versatile bands for a full-body workout, improving strength and flexibility.

Yoga Mat:

A comfortable and supportive mat for various exercises, from stretching to strength training.

Stainless Steel Water Bottle:

Stay hydrated throughout the day with this durable and eco-friendly bottle.

12-Week Program:

Developed by licensed physiotherapists, guides you through exercises that improve grip, strength, balance, and mobility. This program includes strength training exercises that can help build and maintain muscle mass.

Nutrition Guide:

provides evidence-based guidance on healthy eating habits to support your goals and fuel your body for optimal muscle health.

Recipe Book:

Delicious and nutritious recipes to support your journey to better health.

Additional Benefits of the MightyMitts Health Kit:

Increased Strength and Balance:

Improve your grip strength, overall muscle mass, and balance to reduce your risk of falls and injuries.

Enhanced Mobility:

Maintain your independence and ability to perform daily tasks with ease.

Reduced Risk of Chronic Diseases:

Lower your risk of age-related health issues, including cognitive decline and osteoporosis.

Improved Quality of Life:

Enjoy greater energy, vitality, and confidence in your physical abilities.

One Squeeze at a time, a World of Difference!

By taking steps to improve your grip strength, you're not just strengthening your hands; you're investing in your overall health, balance, and fall prevention.

Take control of your health and order your MightyMitts Health Kit today!

Sources:

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Almeida, S. A., Santos, L. C., Coelho, F. M., et al. (2015). Grip strength predicts falls in community-dwelling older adults. Journal of Geriatric Physical Therapy, 38(1), 18-22.

Cawthon, P. M., Marshall, L. M., Ensrud, K. E., et al. (2015). Grip strength as a predictor of incident fractures in older adults. Osteoporosis International, 26(1), 337-344.

Hughes, J. M., Dionne, C. E., Frost, M. L., et al. (2018). Association of muscle strength with bone mineral density at different skeletal sites in men and women: The Canadian Multicentre Osteoporosis Study (CaMos). Journal of Bone and Mineral Research, 33(12), 2174–2181.
Kim, J. Y., Shin, C. S., Park, B. Y., et al. (2020). Association of Grip Strength With Bone Mineral Density and Osteoporosis in Postmenopausal Women. Journal of Bone Metabolism, 27(3), 167–173.

Rantanen, T., Volpato, S., Ferrucci, L., et al. (2010). Grip strength is a stronger predictor of mortality than muscle mass in elderly men. The Journals of Gerontology: Series A, 65A(5), 546-551.