What Do Grip Strength Results Mean?
NOVI doesn’t focus on one single number. Your grip strength represents so much more than hand or forearm power.
Grip strength is a scientifically proven marker for muscle strength, biological resilience, and functional longevity.
Why is grip strength included in NOVI’s longevity tests?
Grip strength is a well-established predictor of longevity. Large population studies consistently show that lower grip strength is associated with a higher risk of all-cause mortality, including deaths from cardiovascular disease and cancer.
This is partly because grip strength reflects broader physiological health. It is closely linked to vascular function, autonomic nervous system regulation, insulin resistance, and overall cardiorespiratory fitness. These associations signal biological processes that contribute to heart attacks, strokes, and heart failure.
One of the most influential studies supporting these findings is the Prospective Urban Rural Epidemiology (PURE) study, which followed more than 140,000 adults across 17 countries. The study demonstrated that grip strength predicted mortality and major cardiovascular events more strongly than systolic blood pressure.
Why Grip Strength Matters: The Clinical Evidence
Think of grip strength as a “vital sign” for your body’s total muscular health:
A Stronger Predictor than Blood Pressure: Research involving over 140,000 adults found that grip strength is actually a more accurate predictor of cardiovascular death than systolic blood pressure.
The “16% Rule” for Longevity: For every 5 kg decrease in grip strength, clinical evidence shows a 16% higher risk of all-cause mortality.
Heart & Stroke Protection: A 5 kg reduction in strength is also linked to a 17% increased risk of cardiovascular death, a 7% higher risk of heart attack, and a 9% higher risk of stroke.
Mirror of Resilience: High grip strength is associated with better survival rates after major health events, suggesting it is a marker of your body’s “biological resilience”.
Interpreting Your Results
Your report provides a baseline of where you are today. We use these precise, evidence-based measurements to create a roadmap for your progress.
Balanced Strength: NOVI Health assesses consistency between your left and right hands to ensure functional symmetry.
Clinical Benchmarks: Your results are compared against age- and gender-specific standards. In Singapore, grip strength typically peaks between the ages 35 and 44, and maintaining these levels is key to preventing age-related muscle loss.
How to Improve Your Strength
The wonderful thing about muscle is its ability to adapt and grow stronger at any age. Improving your strength involves a grounded, sustainable approach:
Resistance Training: Simple movements like “farmer’s carries” (carrying heavy groceries) or using resistance bands help build functional forearm and hand strength.
Nutritional Support: Focus on a “whole foods” approach with adequate protein—such as lean meats or local Singaporean options like high-protein soy—to fuel muscle repair.
Consistency over Intensity: Small, daily habits lead to the most significant transformations.
The Bottom Line
Grip strength is a scientifically verified measure of an individual’s muscle strength, biological resilience and functional longevity.
At NOVI, our doctor-led approach uses grip strength, as well as other tools and methods, to help you live better, and age better.