Bone Abstracts

Peripheral computed tomography (pQCT) can estimate volumetric bone mineral density (vBMD) and distinguish trabecular from cortical bone. Few comprehensive studies have examined correlates of vBMD in Spanish premenopausal women.

The aim was to study the association between bone microarchitecture, muscle mass and strength in premenopausal Spanish women and to evaluate the role of calcium intake. vBMD was assessed in 164 premenopausal women at the distal radius by pQCT. BMD was assessed by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). Grip strength in the left arm was measured by dynamometry and lean mass in the left arm was assessed by electric bioimpedance. Calcium intake was quantified using a dietetic scale.

Age was not correlated with vBMD in our sample. Based on the T-score WHO criteria, women were classified as healthy. Women were further classified according to the grip strength quartile (highest quartile >22.03 N (n=115) and lower quartile <15.83 N (n=49)). There were no differences in age and BMI between groups (44.04±4.51 vs 42.52±6.36 years and 25.03±3.65 vs 25.45±3.76 kg/m² respectively (P>0.05 in both cases)). In multivariable models, there were no difference in the measurements of vBMD and BMD among women in the two groups. Bone area measurements were higher in women within the highest quartile vs women in the lower quartile of grip strength (P<0.05 for total, trabecular and subcortical areas). In the highest quartile group, calcium intake correlated (partial correlation) with total vBMD after adjustment for age, weight, height and lean mass in the left arm (kg) (r=0.198; P<0.05). No correlations of calcium intake with the vBMD were found in the lowest quartile group. No partial correlations were found with the trabecular or the cortical density in both groups (P>0.05).

In conclusion, in premenopausal Spanish women, we speculate that a high grip strength associates with greater bone size additionally, an increase in the vBMD might be calcium intake dependent after adjustment for potential confounders. Further investigations are needed to evaluate if physical performance evaluation may help with osteoporosis prevention when bone density scores have not been obtained or are unavailable.