The Granada Biosanitary Research Institute (ibs.GRANADA) and the University of Granada, in collaboration with the Biomedical Research Institute of Malaga and Platform in Nanomedicine (IBIMA Plataforma BIONAND), have carried out a study that analyses the relationship between muscle strength and mental health in cognitively healthy older adults, reports News Medical.

The study includes 90 cognitively healthy older adults (57% women), and offers new perspectives on how physical fitness can influence the psychological well-being of older people.

The study, published in the magazine International Journal of Clinical and Health Psychology, focused on assessing muscle strength through various tests, such as handgrip strength, squats, and elbow and knee extension exercises, as well as through perceived indicators such as the International Physical Fitness Scale (IFIS).

In addition, various aspects of mental health were assessed, including anxiety, depression, stress, loneliness, life satisfaction, self-esteem, and emotional well-being.

"Our results indicate that there is a significant association between grip strength and self-esteem, as well as between perceived strength and depressive symptoms," the researchers said.

In addition, according to them, “the findings in this study underline the importance of maintaining good muscle strength not only for physical health, but also for mental well-being in old age."