Simple Muscular Strength Tests Predict Long-Term Health Outcomes: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis (blogs.bmj.com)

• Handgrip strength and chair-stand test predict numerous chronic diseases
• Higher strength levels are associated with significantly lower risk of Parkinson's, dementia, diabetes, and more
• Even small improvements in strength have clinically meaningful effects at population level

"A systematic review and meta-analysis of 155 cohort studies (94 in meta-analyses) demonstrates that simple field-based muscular strength tests—particularly handgrip strength and the 5-repetition chair-stand test—predict the risk of numerous chronic conditions. Adults with the highest grip strength had up to 47% lower risk for Parkinson's disease, 43% for disability and dementia. Even modest strength improvements were associated with reduced disease risk. The tests are quick, low-cost, and easy to implement in clinical practice."