Background: The predictive nature of handgrip strength (HGS) was analyzed, showing a direct association with the functional domains of health, cognitive and social levels, and some inverse association with depressive values.
Aim: To analyze the relationship between HGS and the psychological functioning of older people, such as depression, mood and sleep.
Method: A total of 38 women, participated in this study (age = 72.29 ± 5.21 year). As measurement instruments a hand dynamometer was used for HGS, Profile of Mood Status (POMS) 29 was used for mood, the geriatric depression scale was used for depression, and the Oviedo questionnaire was used for sleep. A cluster analysis was performed taking into account the performance in the HGS.
Results: The group that obtained a high HGS result showed a better total score for vigor, depression, insomnia and sleep. Pearson correlation analysis showed significant correlations between HGS and vigor, depression, insomnia and sleep total score.
Conclusion: HGS in women over 65 years was associated with psychological functioning and sleep quality.
Keywords: aged; depression; hand strength; moods; sleep.