OT Potential Podcast | Occupational Therapy CEUs #97 Grip Strength as a Vital Sign with Gabriella Francis
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Jan 16, 2025 
Gabriella Francis, an occupational therapist and CEO of Squegg, dives into the importance of grip strength as a vital sign of health. She explains how grip strength is linked not just to physical capability but also to psychological health and overall well-being. The discussion highlights its predictive power for various health outcomes, particularly in aging and chronic illnesses. Gabriella also shares her journey into health tech and stresses the need for integrating grip strength assessments into regular occupational therapy practices to enhance patient care.
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Grip Strength Beyond Muscle
- Grip strength reflects more than hand or upper body strength; it is linked to mortality, psychological health, and hospitalization.
- It serves as an indicator of overall well-being, making it a comprehensive health metric.
Grip Strength as Health Predictor
- Grip strength indicates current overall health and can predict future morbidity, mortality, and cognitive health.
- It correlates with diseases like diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and sarcopenia, making it a robust health marker.
Reasons to Make Grip Strength Vital
- Grip strength should be a vital sign offering assessment, early disease detection, predictive value, and patient engagement.
- Its simplicity, cost-effectiveness, and diverse applications support its integration in clinical and public health.