A Narrative Review of Handgrip Strength and Cognitive Functioning: Bringing a New Characteristic to Muscle Memory

Shaughnessy, K. A.; Hackney, Kyle J.; Clark, Brian C.; Kraemer, William J.; Terbizan, Donna J.; Bailey, Ryan R.; McGrath, Ryan

doi:10.3233/jad-190856

Cited by 49 publications

(41 citation statements)

References 132 publications

(148 reference statements)

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“…In particular, improved physical fitness in our study may be related to improved cognitive function. Lower extremity muscular strength [ 42 ] and grip strength [ 43 , 44 ] are related to cognitive ability. Lower extremity muscular strength is a key physical factor that can affect mobility, which is also related to cognitive ability [ 45 ].…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

The Beneficial Effects of Cognitive Walking Program on Improving Cognitive Function and Physical Fitness in Older Adults

et al. 2021

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Exercise and cognitive training can improve the brain-related health of the elderly. We investigated the effects of a cognitive walking program (CWP) involving simultaneous performance of indoor walking and cognitive training on cognitive function and physical fitness compared to normal walking (NW) outdoors. Participants were grouped according to whether they performed regular exercise for at least 3 months prior to the participation in this study. Active participants were assigned to the CWP-active group (CWPAG). Sedentary participants were randomly assigned to the CWP (CWPSG) or NW group (NWSG). CWP and NW were performed for 60 min, 3 times a week, for 6 months. Cognitive function (attention, visuospatial function, memory, and frontal/executive function) and physical fitness (cardiorespiratory fitness, lower extremity muscular strength, and active balance ability) were measured at baseline, 3 months, and 6 months after the program onset. Cognitive function showed improvements over time in all three groups, especially in CWPAG. No clear difference was observed between CWPSG and NWSG. Improvements in all fitness measures were also observed in all three groups. These findings collectively indicate the beneficial effects of CWP, as well as NW, on improving cognitive function and physical fitness in older adults, especially those who are physically active.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

The Beneficial Effects of Cognitive Walking Program on Improving Cognitive Function and Physical Fitness in Older Adults

et al. 2021

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“…In this context, handgrip strength has been considered an important marker of health in general [5][6][7][8] and of brain health in particular [9][10][11]. In line with this assumption, there is accumulating evidence linking measures of handgrip strength to cognitive functioning across the human lifespan.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 95%

Cortical hemodynamics as a function of handgrip strength and cognitive performance: a cross-sectional fNIRS study in younger adults

et al. 2021

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Background There is growing evidence for a positive correlation between measures of muscular strength and cognitive abilities. However, the neurophysiological correlates of this relationship are not well understood so far. The aim of this study was to investigate cortical hemodynamics [i.e., changes in concentrations of oxygenated (oxyHb) and deoxygenated hemoglobin (deoxyHb)] as a possible link between measures of muscular strength and cognitive performance. Methods In a cohort of younger adults (n = 39, 18–30 years), we assessed (i) handgrip strength by a handhold dynamometer, (ii) short-term working memory performance by using error rates and reaction times in the Sternberg task, and (iii) cortical hemodynamics of the prefrontal cortex (PFC) via functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS). Results We observed low to moderate negative correlations (rp = ~ − 0.38 to − 0.51; p < 0.05) between reaction time and levels of oxyHb in specific parts of the PFC. Furthermore, we noticed low to moderate positive correlations (rp = ~ 0.34 to 0.45; p < 0.05) between reaction times and levels of deoxyHb in distinct parts of the PFC. Additionally, higher levels of oxyHb (rp (35) = 0.401; p = 0.014) and lower levels of deoxyHb (rp (34) = − 0.338; p = 0.043) in specific parts of the PFC were linked to higher percentage of correct answers. We also found low to moderate correlations (p < 0.05) between measures of handgrip strength and levels of oxyHb (rp = ~ 0.35; p < 0.05) and levels of deoxyHb (rp = ~ − 0.25 to − 0.49; p < 0.05) in specific parts of the PFC. However, there was neither a correlation between cognitive performance and handgrip strength nor did cortical hemodynamics in the PFC mediate the relationship between handgrip strength and cognitive performance (p > 0.05). Conclusion The present study provides evidence for a positive neurobehavioral relationship between cortical hemodynamics and cognitive performance. Our findings further imply that in younger adults higher levels of handgrip strength positively influence cortical hemodynamics although the latter did not necessarily culminate in better cognitive performance. Future research should examine whether the present findings can be generalized to other cohorts (e.g., older adults).

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“…7,8 At this moment and based on the current literature, it is possible to speculate that CRF, SA-F, and MF could be related to cognitive domains into a differentiated extent. 1,9,10 This idea considers that their underlying mechanisms, although they have not been identified completely, would not necessarily be the same. 1,10 For instance, CRF seems to elicit a beneficial impact on neurogenesis, cognitive function, and brain metabolism throughout a complex sequence of physiological events linked to the release of neurotrophic factors, which supports the existence of a musclebrain endocrine loop.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Physical fitness and its association with cognitive performance in Chilean schoolchildren: The Cogni‐Action Project

Solis‐Urra

Sanchez-Martinez

Olivares-Arancibia

et al. 2021

Scandinavian Med Sci Sports

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This study aimed to establish the association and differences in a diversity of cognitive domains according to cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF), muscular fitness (MF), and speed-agility fitness (S-AF) level in a large sample of Chilean schoolchildren. 1171 Chilean schoolchildren aged 10-14 years participated. CRF, MF, and S-AF were assessed through the ALPHA-fitness test battery. Cognition was evaluated through the NeuroCognitive Performance Test, which involved eight tests related to four main domains: cognitive flexibility (CF), working memory (WM), inhibitory control (IC), and intelligence (IN). Both global (multivariate) and individual (univariate) analyses were performed to determine the differences in cognitive functioning according to low-, middle-, and high-fitness level. The global analyses showed a significant main effect for CRF, F (16,940) = 3.08, p ≤ .001 and MF groups, F (16,953) = 2.30, p = .002, but not for S-AF, F (16,948) = 1.37, p = .105. CRF shows a significant main effect in seven of eight tests, involving CF, WM, IC, and IN domains, whereas MF shows a significant main effect in five of eight tests without association with IN. SA-F shows a significant main effect only with IC. Statistical differences were found between the low-and middle/high-fitness groups but not between the middle-and high-fitness groups. At a global level, both CRF and MF seem to be associated with a higher cognitive profile in scholars; however, at an individual level, all fitness components show

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A Narrative Review of Handgrip Strength and Cognitive Functioning: Bringing a New Characteristic to Muscle Memory

Cited by 49 publications

References 132 publications

The Beneficial Effects of Cognitive Walking Program on Improving Cognitive Function and Physical Fitness in Older Adults

The Beneficial Effects of Cognitive Walking Program on Improving Cognitive Function and Physical Fitness in Older Adults

Cortical hemodynamics as a function of handgrip strength and cognitive performance: a cross-sectional fNIRS study in younger adults

Physical fitness and its association with cognitive performance in Chilean schoolchildren: The Cogni‐Action Project

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