Bone Abstracts

Introduction: Osteoporosis and fractures are multifactorial events. Muscle weakness and changes in bone density are of special importance. The aim of this study was to determine wether clinically applicable physical tests could be used to identify the relation between physical performance and fractures.

Methods: Data of 179 community dwelling female patients (mean age 74±5.4 years) suffering osteoporosis were retrospectively investigated. Peripheral fractures were documented by questionnaire, vertebral fractures were detected using X-ray. Height and weight as well as body composition (% body fat, % body muscle, and visceral fat) were measured. Parameters of physical activity like time in tandem stand, Chair-rising test, and gaith speed were measured by stopwatch. Hand grip strength on the right and left side were analyzed using a hand held dynamometer (kg).

Bone turnover markers like PTH and vitamin D, Tartrat-resistant acid phosphatase 5b (TRAP5b), alkaline phosphatase, and bone specific alkaline phosphatase were quantified.

The statistical calculation was accomplished using Spearman’s correlation coefficients and Glimmix procedure.

Results: Hand grip strength on left hand (nondominant) correlates negatively (P<0.01) with the number of peripheral fractures. Gaith speed correlates negatively (P<0.02) whereas visceral fat mass correlates positively (P<0.04) with the number of vertebral fractures.

Conclusion: Two components of the frailty model were associated with an increased number of peripheral and vertebral fractures. The role oft he visceral fat has to be determined.

Clinically applicable physical tests are able to describe the relation between muscle weakness and the number of fractures. Training might be usefull in these patients.