Economic burden of low muscle strength in Canadian adults

Abstract

We used a prevalence-based approach to estimate the economic costs associated with low muscle strength, as assessed using handgrip strength, in Canadian adults. We estimated the annual economic burden of low muscle strength at $3.0 billion, representing 2.2% of the 2021 Canadian burden of illness costs. The two most expensive chronic diseases attributable to low muscle strength were cardiovascular disease ($899 million) and type 2 diabetes ($880 million). A 10% decrease in the prevalence of low handgrip strength would save approximately $546 million per year, equivalent to an 18.1% cost reduction. Strategies to increase population-level muscle strength are needed to reduce healthcare costs and improve health. The economic cost associated with low muscle strength in Canadian adults is unknown. The total annual economic burden of low muscle strength in Canadian adults represents 2.2% of the overall burden of illness costs in 2021. We estimated that $546 million per year would be saved if the prevalence of low handgrip strength was reduced by 10%.