Self-reported exercise before age 40: influence on quantitative skeletal ultrasound and fall risk in the elderly

To compare musculoskeletal factors with bone structure, as measured by quantitative ultrasound (QUS) at the calcaneus, and their potential to predict fall risk in geriatric inpatients.

Longitudinal.

Two geriatric hospitals in Switzerland.

A total of 134 of 207 long-stay geriatric patients (96 women, 38 men) who were able to perform the timed up and go (TUG) test.

Five musculoskeletal tests: 2 functional tests (TUG, for mobility; functional reach test, for balance), and 3 muscle strength tests (knee flexor, knee extensor, grip). Falls were monitored prospectively in a subgroup of 94 mobile subjects of 1 geriatric hospital throughout each individual length of stay (median, 31.4wk: interquartile range, 16-56.4wk).

Functional and strength tests, mobility status, and self-reported exercise before age 40 were musculoskeletal factors to be compared with QUS.

QUS was higher in mobile subjects without walking aid (p < .0001) and correlated significantly with muscle strength (knee flexor: r = .36; knee extensor: r = .30) and functional tests (TUG: r = -.25; functional reach: r = .16). Women who reported regular exercise before age 40 had higher QUS (p = .01) and fewer falls (p = .01). Falls were less frequent in subjects with walking aid (p = .03). No single musculoskeletal test, but rather a combination of demographic variables, musculoskeletal factors, and QUS could predict 76% of total variation of fall risk.

This study showed the important impact of current mobility and muscle strength status on bone structure, as measured by QUS at the calcaneus. In addition, a beneficial effect of former exercise on QUS and fall risk at advanced age could be documented in women. Both findings support life-long engagement in exercise, which might be particularly meaningful for women.