MightyMitts
Grip Strength & Osteoporosis
Grip Strength: A Vital Sign for Bone Health
What is Osteoporosis?
Osteoporosis is a condition that weakens bones, making them fragile and more likely to break. It often develops slowly over time and is often only diagnosed when a fall or sudden impact causes a bone to fracture.
It is often referred to as the “silence disease” because one can’t see it or feel it until it happens.
It is often referred to as the “silence disease” because one can’t see it or feel it until it happens.
Osteoporosis is most common in older adults, especially women after menopause
In fact, 1 in 3 women and 1 in 5 men over the age of 50 will experience an osteoporosis-related fracture.
Did you know that more than 1 in 4 older adults aged +65 fall each year. And if you fall once, you're twice as likely to fall again. This can create a cycle of fear and decreased activity, which can further weaken muscles and increase fall risk.
What's even more concerning is that less than half of older adults who fall tell their doctor. Falls can be scary and have a serious impact on your health and independence. But the good news is that you can take steps to prevent them.
Did you know that more than 1 in 4 older adults aged +65 fall each year. And if you fall once, you're twice as likely to fall again. This can create a cycle of fear and decreased activity, which can further weaken muscles and increase fall risk.
What's even more concerning is that less than half of older adults who fall tell their doctor. Falls can be scary and have a serious impact on your health and independence. But the good news is that you can take steps to prevent them.
Why Grip Strength Matters for Osteoporosis Prevention
Strong muscles, strong bones:
Just like exercise strengthens your muscles, it also strengthens your bones. Grip strength is a good indicator of overall muscle strength, and strong muscles help maintain bone density and reduce the risk of osteoporosis.
Preventing falls:
Strong muscles improve balance and coordination, reducing the risk of falls, which are a major cause of fractures in people with osteoporosis.
Early warning sign:
A decline in grip strength can be an early warning sign of bone loss, allowing for timely intervention and prevention strategies.
Grip strength is emerging as a valuable indicator of osteoporosis risk
Here's why:
Muscle Strength and Bone Health:
Grip strength reflects overall muscle strength and function.
Strong muscles exert force on bones, stimulating bone-forming cells and promoting bone density.
Weak grip strength can indicate muscle weakness, which is often associated with lower bone density and increased fracture risk
Strong muscles exert force on bones, stimulating bone-forming cells and promoting bone density.
Weak grip strength can indicate muscle weakness, which is often associated with lower bone density and increased fracture risk
Shared Risk Factors:
Osteoporosis and muscle weakness share common risk factors, such as aging, physical inactivity, nutritional deficiencies, and hormonal imbalances.
Low grip strength may reflect the presence of these underlying risk factors, signaling a higher likelihood of osteoporosis.
Low grip strength may reflect the presence of these underlying risk factors, signaling a higher likelihood of osteoporosis.
Predictive Value:
Studies have shown a strong correlation between low grip strength and:
Low bone mineral density
Increased risk of fractures, particularly hip fractures
Poor balance and increased risk of falls
Grip strength can help identify individuals at higher risk of osteoporosis and fractures, even before significant bone loss occurs.
Low bone mineral density
Increased risk of fractures, particularly hip fractures
Poor balance and increased risk of falls
Grip strength can help identify individuals at higher risk of osteoporosis and fractures, even before significant bone loss occurs.
Early Detection and Intervention:
Grip strength assessment provides a simple way to screen for osteoporosis risk.
Early detection allows for timely interventions, such as:
Lifestyle modifications such as increased exercise, improved nutrition.
Medications to slow bone loss
Fall prevention strategies
Early detection allows for timely interventions, such as:
Lifestyle modifications such as increased exercise, improved nutrition.
Medications to slow bone loss
Fall prevention strategies
Monitoring and Progress:
Grip strength can be used to monitor the effectiveness of interventions and track progress over time.
Improvements in grip strength may indicate improved bone health and reduced fracture risk.
Improvements in grip strength may indicate improved bone health and reduced fracture risk.
Grip strength is a valuable indicator of overall musculoskeletal health
and can serve as an indicator of osteoporosis risk.
By incorporating grip strength assessment into your routine individuals can take proactive steps to prevent fractures and maintain bone health.
By incorporating grip strength assessment into your routine individuals can take proactive steps to prevent fractures and maintain bone health.
How MightyMitts can help with Osteoporosis
MightyMitts can also play a crucial role in preventing and managing osteoporosis. Here's how:
Measure and Track:
The dynamometer helps you monitor your grip strength, which can be an early indicator of bone loss.
Targeted Exercise:
The 12-week exercise program includes strength-bearing and resistance exercises that stimulate bone growth and improve bone density.
Nutritional Support:
The nutrition guide provides valuable information on calcium, vitamin D, and other essential nutrients for bone health.
Healthy Recipes:
The recipe book includes recipes rich in bone-building nutrients.
Our Health Kit includes:
The MightyMitts Health Kit is designed to help you improve your grip, strength balance and mobility, which can contribute to better bone health and a reduced risk of falls and fractures. It includes:
Dynamometer:
Measure your grip strength and track your progress over time.
Handgrip Strengtheners:
Build strength in your hands and forearms..
Resistance Bands:
Versatile bands for a full-body workout, improving strength and flexibility.
Tube Strength Set
This versatile set empowers you to engage in a variety of exercises that target all major muscle groups, promoting strength, mobility, and functional capacity.
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 Exercise Program:
Follow a guided program developed by licensed physiotherapists to improve overall strength, balance, and muscle mass.
Nutrition Guide:
Learn about the importance of a balanced diet for bone health, including calcium, vitamin D, and other essential nutrients
Recipe Book:
Delicious and nutritious recipes to support your journey to stronger bones.
Additional Benefits of the MightyMitts Health Kit:
The MightyMitts Health Kit is designed to help you improve your grip, strength balance and mobility, which can contribute to better bone health and a reduced risk of falls and fractures. It includes:
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 Osteoporosis and Fractures:
Strengthen your bones and lower your risk of osteoporosis-related fractures.
Improved Quality of Life:
Enjoy greater energy, vitality, and confidence in your physical abilities.
One Squeeze at a Time, a World of Difference!
Order your MightyMitts Health kit today and start your journey to stronger bones and a healthier you!
Sources
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
National Osteoporosis Foundation
International Osteoporosis Foundation
Hong, A. R., & Kim, S. W. (2018). Effects of Resistance Exercise on Bone Health. Korean Journal of Family Medicine, 39(4), 208–215.
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.
Moreland, J. D., Peterson, M. D., Layne, J. E., & Irvin, E. (2017). Grip strength and postural control in adults aged 65 and over. The Journals of Gerontology: Series A, 72(7), 964–969.
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.
Hong, A. R., & Kim, S. W. (2018). Effects of Resistance Exercise on Bone Health. Korean Journal of Family Medicine, 39(4), 208–215.
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.
National Osteoporosis Foundation
International Osteoporosis Foundation
Hong, A. R., & Kim, S. W. (2018). Effects of Resistance Exercise on Bone Health. Korean Journal of Family Medicine, 39(4), 208–215.
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.
Moreland, J. D., Peterson, M. D., Layne, J. E., & Irvin, E. (2017). Grip strength and postural control in adults aged 65 and over. The Journals of Gerontology: Series A, 72(7), 964–969.
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.
Hong, A. R., & Kim, S. W. (2018). Effects of Resistance Exercise on Bone Health. Korean Journal of Family Medicine, 39(4), 208–215.
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.
Kemmler, W., von Stengel, S., Engelke, K., & Lauber, D. (2015). Exercise and fractures in postmenopausal women: a randomized controlled trial of a 12-month multicomponent exercise program. Osteoporosis International, 26(10), 2479–2490.
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.
Moreland, J. D., Peterson, M. D., Layne, J. E., & Irvin, E. (2017). Grip strength and postural control in adults aged 65 and over. The Journals of Gerontology: Series A, 72(7), 964–969.
National Osteoporosis Foundation. (n.d.). Osteoporosis: What You Need to Know.
Sayer, A. A., Cooper, C., Dennison, E. M., et al. (2006). Epidemiology of sarcopenia. Journal of the American Medical Directors Association, 7(6 Suppl), S3–S10.
Weaver, C. M., Gordon, C. M., Janssen, X., et al. (2016). The National Osteoporosis Foundation's position statement on peak bone mass development and lifestyle factors: a systematic review and implementation recommendations.3 Osteoporosis International,4 27(4), 1281–1386.
Black, D. M., Cummings, S. R., Karpf, D. B., et al. (2002). Randomised trial of effect of alendronate on risk of fracture in women with existing vertebral fractures. The Lancet, 360(9340), 1265–1271.
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.
Moreland, J. D., Peterson, M. D., Layne, J. E., & Irvin, E. (2017). Grip strength and postural control in adults aged 65 and over. The Journals of Gerontology: Series A, 72(7), 964–969.
National Osteoporosis Foundation. (n.d.). Osteoporosis: What You Need to Know.
Sayer, A. A., Cooper, C., Dennison, E. M., et al. (2006). Epidemiology of sarcopenia. Journal of the American Medical Directors Association, 7(6 Suppl), S3–S10.
Weaver, C. M., Gordon, C. M., Janssen, X., et al. (2016). The National Osteoporosis Foundation's position statement on peak bone mass development and lifestyle factors: a systematic review and implementation recommendations.3 Osteoporosis International,4 27(4), 1281–1386.
Black, D. M., Cummings, S. R., Karpf, D. B., et al. (2002). Randomised trial of effect of alendronate on risk of fracture in women with existing vertebral fractures. The Lancet, 360(9340), 1265–1271.