Improving handgrip strength assessment in older adults
Official title: GRip Assessment for Protocol Enhancements (GRAPE) in Older Adults
Funded at North Dakota State University · NIH-10358902 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking for ways to better understand how well older adults' muscles work by testing more than just how strong their grip is, so we can help predict and prevent health issues as they age.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R15 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | North Dakota State University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Fargo, United States) |
| Project start | June 1, 2022 |
| Project end | September 30, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2022 |
| Award (this year) | $416,481 |
| NIH project number | 1R15AG072348-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10358902 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are older adults who may be experiencing declines in muscle function or are at risk for age-related disabilities.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not elderly or do not have concerns related to muscle function may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how to enhance the assessment of muscle function in older adults by going beyond just measuring maximal handgrip strength. It aims to evaluate additional aspects of muscle function, such as coordination, explosiveness, and resistance to fatigue, which are often overlooked in traditional assessments. By developing a more comprehensive protocol, the research seeks to better predict age-related disabilities and diseases, ultimately improving health screenings and interventions for older individuals. Participants will undergo various tests to assess these different muscle function characteristics.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved assessments of muscle function, helping to identify risks for age-related disabilities and enabling targeted interventions.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that comprehensive assessments of muscle function can lead to better health outcomes, indicating that this approach has potential for success.
Where this research is happening
-
North Dakota State University
Fargo, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Mcgrath, Ryan — North Dakota State University
- Study coordinator: Mcgrath, Ryan
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.