Evaluating hand grip strength's effect on hospital stay after heart surgery in older adults

Usefulness of Hand Grip Strength as a Predictor of Prolonged Hospital Stay in Elderly Patients Undergoing Cardiac Surgery

Kartal Kosuyolu High Speciality Training and Research Hospital · NCT05546671

This study is trying to see if measuring hand grip strength can help predict how long older adults will stay in the hospital after heart surgery.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment240 (estimated)
Ages70 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorKartal Kosuyolu High Speciality Training and Research Hospital (other gov)
Locations1 site (Istanbul)
Trial IDNCT05546671 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational study investigates the relationship between hand grip strength and the length of hospital stay following cardiac surgery in elderly patients aged 70 and above. By measuring hand grip strength, researchers aim to determine if it can serve as a predictor for prolonged hospital stays after procedures such as coronary artery bypass grafting or valve surgery. The study focuses on patients who are cooperative and able to follow instructions for the grip strength test, excluding those with certain medical conditions that may affect their ability to participate. The findings could provide valuable insights into preoperative assessments for elderly patients undergoing cardiac surgery.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are elderly patients aged 70 and older who are scheduled for elective cardiac surgery.

Not a fit: Patients under 70 years old or those with conditions that impair their ability to cooperate with the grip strength test will not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could help identify elderly patients at risk for longer hospital stays, allowing for better preoperative planning and management.

How similar studies have performed: While the specific approach of using hand grip strength as a predictor for hospital stay in cardiac surgery is novel, similar studies have shown that grip strength can be an important indicator of overall health in elderly populations.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Age ≥70 years
* Undergoing isolated coronary artery bypass grafting or isolated valve surgery or combined coronary and valve procedures
* Being oriented and cooperative enough to understand and comply with the instruction of gripping the hand dynamometer

Exclusion Criteria:

* Age \<70 years
* Emergent status
* Hemodynamic instability
* Inability to cooperate due to neurocognitive disorder
* Loss of upper extremity motor function of any degree (such as due to previous stroke)
* History of upper extremity amputation of any level

Where this trial is running

Istanbul

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Sarcopenia, Frailty

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.