Bone mineral density and grip strength in postmenopausal Turkish women with osteoporosis: site specific or systemic?

To assess the relationship of grip strength to site-specific bone mineral density of the metacarpal bone and also axial bone mineral density. The bone mineral density of the lumbar spine, femoral neck and the nondominant hand were measured by DEXA.

A total of 187 postmenopausal women were included in the study. Of the patients, 102 were osteoporotic, and 85 were not osteoporotic and served as control subjects.

Grip strength of the nondominant hand was measured by hand-held dynamometer. Skinfold thickness of the nondominant hand was measured by a caliper (Holstain). Biochemical markers of bone turnover and other osteoporosis-related variables were also measured.

There was a statistically significant difference between groups regarding bone mineral density of the lumbar, femoral (neck) and hand regions and the grip strength (P < .05). Hand bone mineral density (BMD) was found to be correlated with bone mineral density of the lumbar and femoral (neck) regions in osteoporotic patients. Grip strength was correlated positively with the BMD of the nondominant hand. Grip strength was correlated negatively with age and years since menopause. Grip strength was also correlated positively with femoral neck BMD.

The study provides support for a site-specific and also systemic relationship between muscle and bone. Grip strength is also a predictor of hand bone mineral density.