# Association Between Handgrip Strength and Suicidal Ideation: A Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis

## TL;DR

This study reviews the link between handgrip strength and suicidal thoughts, finding no strong evidence but suggesting a possible connection worth further research.

## Contribution

The study is the first to systematically review and meta-analyze the relationship between handgrip strength and suicidal ideation.

## Key findings

- The pooled analysis found no statistically significant association between handgrip strength and suicidal ideation.
- Qualitative trends suggest lower handgrip strength may be linked to higher suicidal ideation risk.
- Longitudinal studies are needed to explore the potential of handgrip strength as an early mental health marker.

## Abstract

Suicidal ideation is a global public health concern, highlighting the need to identify modifiable risk factors. Handgrip strength (HGS), an objective measure of muscular strength, has been linked to mental health outcomes. This review synthesizes evidence on HGS and suicidal ideation, exploring modifiers such as sex.

This systematic review and meta‐analysis, registered with PROSPERO and conducted in accordance with PRISMA guidelines, evaluated data retrieved from PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science up to November 30, 2024. The analysis focused on randomized controlled trials and observational studies—including case‐control, cohort, and cross‐sectional designs—that examined the relationship between HGS and suicidal ideation in human populations. A random‐effects model was employed to calculate pooled odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Heterogeneity among studies was assessed using the I
2 statistic.

Out of 294 studies, 9 met the inclusion criteria for the systematic review, and 6 were eligible for meta‐analysis, involving 81,035 participants. The pooled analysis showed a nonsignificant association between HGS and suicidal ideation. For males, the pooled OR per 1 kg increase in HGS was 0.939 (95% CI, 0.875–1.009), and for females, it was 0.851 (95% CI, 0.662–1.094), indicating a potential but nonsignificant protective effect.

This systematic review and meta‐analysis found no statistically significant association between handgrip strength and suicidal ideation in the pooled analysis. However, consistent trends observed in the qualitative synthesis suggest a potential relationship that warrants further investigation. Longitudinal studies are essential to elucidate the underlying mechanisms.

Handgrip strength (HGS) and suicidal ideation were evaluated through a systematic review and meta‐analysis of nine studies including over 81,000 participants. While the pooled analysis showed no statistically significant association, qualitative trends suggested that lower HGS may increase suicidal ideation risk. Future longitudinal studies are needed to confirm HGS as a potential early marker for mental health vulnerability.