Dynamics of involutional changes of the locomotor system in terms of risk factors for fractures

The aim of the paper was to analyze involutional changes and their dynamics in bone mineral density, functional parameters of muscles and to evaluate the body balance in standing position in women in various age groups.

The desitometric and isokinetic tests were carried out in 288 women who were 40, 50, 60 and 70 years old. The balance test was performed in 101 of them. The women over 60 years old were students of The University of The Third Age in Wroclaw. The desitometric tests were carried out by means of DEXA method. The analysis covered the neck of the femur, Ward's triangle and the greater trochanter of the femur. The isokinetic tests of the trunk and knee joint muscles were carried out at the isokinetic test stand by Biodex Sysem 3 Multi Joint. The body's stability in standing position was tested by means of stabilographic method with the use of Posturograf by Pro-Med.

A statistically significant decrease of mean BMD values in the successive age groups was found. Statistically significant changes were also observed in all the analysed force-speed parameters. The values of the force-speed parameters dropped, yet the values of the time parameters increased. Dynamics of the changes showed faster worsening of the mineral bone density in the Ward's triangle and a decrease of the functional parameters of muscles at the moment of force during the first 0,18 seconds of the maximal repetition. The body balance test showed statistically significant differences only between younger and older women during the test with eyes closed.

1. The carried out tests showed worsening of age-related, structural and functional parameters. 2. Slight worsening of the body balance in standing position with eyes closed was observed in the examined elderly patients. 3. The analysed involutional changes of the motor system and their dynamics may be risk factors of falls and fractures.