Link to the University of Pittsburgh Homepage
Link to the University Library System Homepage Link to the Contact Us Form
D-Scholarship @ Pitt Banner and Links to Homepage

Exceptional Grip Strength Phenotype in the Long Life Family Study

Matthews, Margaret (2018) Exceptional Grip Strength Phenotype in the Long Life Family Study. Master Essay, University of Pittsburgh.

This is the latest version of this item.

[img] Microsoft Word
Submitted Version
Download (372kB)

Abstract

Higher grip strength measurements have been associated with better cognitive measures, increased survival, and reduced disability and cognitive decline in older individuals. The reason for this association is still not well understood, but there are currently no studies that analyze grip strength on a family level. The aim of this cross-sectional analysis is to determine if cognitive function is associated with grip strength in the Long Life Family Study population and to determine if families with exceptional grip strength have statistically significant differences in cognitive function compared to families that do not have exceptional grip strength.
Among the 2052 offspring analyzed, 330 had exceptional grip strength. There was a significantly higher scores between exceptional and non-exceptional offspring for the mini-mental state exam score (p=0.0018) and a measure of semantic fluency, animals-total (p=0.0071). In contrast non-exceptional offspring had a significantly higher score for digit span forward (p=0.0049).
Among the 392 families analyzed, 27 met the criteria for exceptional grip strength (146 individuals). Also, at the family level there were significant differences between attention/working memory [digit span forward (p=0.0066) and mini-mental state exam score (p=0.0067)], and one measure of semantic fluency, animals-total (p=0.0006).
The public health significance of this analysis is, if we have the ability to identify individuals that will have more rapid cognitive and previously established physical declines and shorter survival times we could then create interventions targeted at this group of individuals to slow or prevent these outcomes.

Share

Citation/Export:
Social Networking:
Share |

Details

Item Type: Other Thesis, Dissertation, or Long Paper (Master Essay)
Status: Unpublished
Creators/Authors:
CreatorsEmailPitt UsernameORCID
Matthews, Margaretmem309@pitt.edumem309
Contributors:
ContributionContributors NameEmailPitt UsernameORCID
Committee ChairBromberger, Joycebrombergerjt@upmc.edujbrombergerUNSPECIFIED
Committee MemberKammerer, Candacecmk3@pitt.educmk3UNSPECIFIED
Committee MemberMinster, Ryanrminster@pitt.edurminsterUNSPECIFIED
Date: 27 April 2018
Date Type: Completion
Number of Pages: 38
Institution: University of Pittsburgh
Schools and Programs: School of Public Health > Epidemiology
Degree: MPH - Master of Public Health
Thesis Type: Master Essay
Refereed: Yes
Date Deposited: 31 May 2019 22:59
Last Modified: 31 May 2019 22:59
URI: http://d-scholarship.pitt.edu/id/eprint/34462

Available Versions of this Item

  • Exceptional Grip Strength Phenotype in the Long Life Family Study. (deposited 31 May 2019 22:59) [Currently Displayed]

Metrics

Monthly Views for the past 3 years

Plum Analytics

Actions (login required)

View Item View Item