TL;DR: A meta-analysis shows that both grip strength and whole-body flexibility are independently associated with reduced all-cause mortality risk. Higher flexibility scores were linked to significantly better survival rates in both men and women, even after adjusting for various health factors, though causation hasn’t been established.
Key Statistical Findings
- Grip Strength
- Meta-analysis included 3+ million people across 42 studies
- Grip strength >54kg associated with 65% reduced mortality risk
- Significant mortality reduction observed for grip strength >10kg
- V02 Max
- Study of ~750,000 people
- V02 Max of 50 associated with 76% reduced mortality risk compared to lowest group (V02 Max of 16)
- Flexibility Study
- Sample size: ~3,100 people
- Age range: 46-65 years
- Key findings by gender:
- Men: At median survival point, 14% mortality in highest flexibility group vs. 50% in lowest
- Women: At 60% survival point, 3-4% mortality in highest flexibility group vs. 40% in lowest
Methodology
- Flex Index Measurement
- Evaluates 20 different movements
- Includes all major joints: ankle, knee, hip, trunk, wrist, elbow, shoulder
- Scoring: 0-4 points per movement
- Women consistently scored higher than men across all age groups
- Study Controls
- Adjusted for:
- Age
- BMI
- Health status (cardiovascular disease, cancer, respiratory disease, diabetes, obesity, dyslipidemia)
- Not adjusted for fitness status (V02 Max, muscle strength)
Limitations
- First study of its kind examining whole-body flexibility’s relationship to mortality
- Relatively small sample size compared to grip strength studies
- Causation not established
- No randomized control trials on flexibility improvement and mortality
- Possible healthy user bias not fully controlled for
The study suggests flexibility could be an important health marker, but more research is needed to establish causation and control for overall fitness levels.
Source:
YouTube Video — Whole Body Flexibility Is Associated With Reduced All-Cause Mortality Risk.