Grip Strength and Suicide
By Dan Wagman, PhD, CSCS
No, no, no, my fellow meatheads, this ain’t about your grip strength being so superior, that I’m worried about some of you strangling yourselves to death, but February is around the corner–Grip Month for all-rounders…Because I always keep an eye out for new exercise physiology and sport psychology research that will improve my maximal strength, when serendipity brought me to a study looking at the link between grip strength and suicidal thoughts in the U.S., I thought I’d share the basic findings because they’re interesting.
In 2016 the U.S. suicide mortality rate was 15.3 per 100,000, well above the global rate of 10.6. Since suicide has been, and continues to be, deeply researched it’s interesting that about six studies have found a connection between lower physical quality of life and suicide along with a hint that weaker grip strength could be an indicator for suicidal thoughts. Therefore, a group of scientists lead by Chao Cao from the Washington University School of Medicine sought to explore this potential link more closely. They investigated 8,903 adults aged 20 years and older and grouped them into age categories of 20-39, 40-64, and 65 and older. Suicidal thoughts were assessed via survey and grip strength with the Takei Digital Grip Strength Dynamometer. Many variables already linked to suicide were controlled for such as diabetes, cancer, arthritis, etc., to include sociodemopraphic variables and leisure-time physical activity rates.
Complex and detailed statistical analyses revealed that a handgrip strength increase by 5 kg was associated with 16% reduced odds of having suicidal thoughts in men. No such association was found in women. When broken down by age groups, in men, a significant association between handgrip strength and suicidal thoughts were observed between the ages of 20-39 and 40-64; in males over 65 no link was found.
The main finding of this work is that males younger than 65 with low grip strength are significantly more likely to have suicidal thoughts. Of course all credible researchers mention the limitations of their work. In this particular study, the scientists point out that “this study makes it impossible to determine a causal association.” That means you cannot draw any conclusions as to whether lower grip strength causes suicidal thoughts or whether suicidal thoughts might be the cause for losses in grip strength. The researchers do point out, however, that “the association is likely bidirectional.”
To me, the pursuit of physical strength represents life itself. I find it rewarding to learn that with a scientific approach to training, the benefits can stretch far beyond the pounds lifted. Since effective and longterm strength gains depend upon credible and science-based information, should you run across someone who might appear suicidal, seek out evidence-based help.
Suicide Hotlines
Military Veterans: 800-273-8255/option1
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 800-273-TALK [8255]
Reference
Cao, C., et al. Handgrip strength is associated with suicidal thoughts in men: Cross‐sectional analyses from NHANES. Scandinavian Journal of Medicine, Science, and Sports. 2020;30:92–99.