Are handgrip strength and asymmetry associated with mortality among aging Australians

About this project

Physical fitness is a set of attributes that you have or achieve that relates to your ability to perform physical activity. Muscle strength, which reflects the ability of a muscle or group of muscles to generate maximal force, is a powerful marker of current and future health. A recent overview of 8 systematic reviews representing 34 studies and nearly 2 million adults revealed that low muscle strength was significantly linked with early mortality (from all causes and cardiovascular disease) and a higher incidence of physical disability.

Although muscle strength cannot be defined by a single measure, it is widely assessed by handgrip strength using isometric dynamometry. Handgrip strength is a convenient, safe, valid, reliable, and feasible method of assessing muscle strength among people of all ages. However, handgrip strength alone may be insufficient because it only measures the highest grip force from a single hand. Standardised handgrip strength testing protocols recommend that measures of handgrip strength be performed multiple times on each hand, also allowing for the examination of bilateral strength asymmetry. Examining bilateral differences in muscle strength may provide additional insight into the association between strength capacity and mortality. 

Using data from the North West Adelaide Health Study—a representative longitudinal study of over 4000 adults from the north-west region of Adelaide - this proposal aims to assess whether handgrip strength and asymmetry are associated with all-cause and cause-specific mortality in aging Australians.
Evidence from this research will inform future research within the Alliance for Research in Exercise, Nutrition and Activity (ARENA) and the Personal and Societal Health Signature Research Theme for the new Adelaide University.

What you’ll do 

This research will form the basis of your Masters’ thesis. You will conduct research to assess whether handgrip strength and asymmetry are associated with all-cause and cause-specific mortality in aging Australians. The findings from this research could have implications for functional testing in clinical settings.

You will need to be an effective problem-solver and critical thinker and be able to work collaboratively with the supervisory team. We will provide training and help develop your skills in quantitative data analyses.

There will be opportunities to present your research both within the University and externally, which will bolster your network and communication skills. You will be supported by the supervisory team to present your research findings through publications and presentations at scientific conferences.

Where you’ll be based 

You will be based in ARENA, which is part of UniSA’s Allied Health and Human Performance Unit. ARENA is a research centre that creates real world solutions to help all people be active, eat better, and perform at their best. We investigate the role of exercise, nutrition and other lifestyle activities in improving clinical and health outcomes. Physical, psychological and sports performance in populations is studied across a wide cross-section of society, ranging from children to elite athletes and people with chronic disease.

Our “healthy lives through healthy living” research focusses on the grand challenge of tackling the growing epidemic of chronic diseases. We focus on real-world issues and bring bold ideas to create solutions that optimise health, function and wellbeing. Financial Support 

This project is funded for reasonable research expenses. A fee offset for the standard term of the program is available to Australian and New Zealand citizens, and permanent residents of Australia, including permanent humanitarian visa holders. Additionally, any Australian Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander applicant who holds an offer of admission without a living allowance will be eligible for the Aboriginal Enterprise Research Scholarship. This scholarship is to the value of $52,352 per annum (2025 rate). Any Aboriginal Enterprise Research Scholarship recipient will also receive a fee waiver. International applicants are not currently invited to apply.

Eligibility and Selection

This project is open to applications from Australian or New Zealand citizens, and Australian permanent residents or permanent humanitarian visa holders. International applicants are not currently invited to apply.
Applicants must meet the eligibility criteria for entrance into a Master of Research. Additionally, applicants must meet the project selection criteria: 

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Experience assessing and interpreting muscle fitness tests

All applications that meet the eligibility and selection criteria will be considered for this project. A merit selection process will be used to determine the successful candidate.
The successful applicant is expected to study full-time and to be based at our City East Campus in the east of Adelaide. 

Essential Dates 

Applicants are expected to start in a timely fashion upon receipt of an offer. Extended deferral periods are not available. Applications close on Thursday 2 January 2025.