Physical and lifestyle factors associated with trabecular bone score values

Area of Science:

• Bone microarchitecture assessment
• Osteoporosis research
• Public health and aging

Background:

• Trabecular bone score (TBS) offers insights into bone microarchitecture, complementing areal bone mineral density (BMD).
• Limited research exists on lifestyle factors influencing TBS, unlike BMD.
• Understanding these associations is crucial for bone health assessment.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the relationship between Trabecular bone score (TBS) and various lifestyle factors in Australian men and women.
• To identify predictors of TBS beyond traditional BMD measurements.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional study of 894 men and 682 women (ages 24-98) from the Geelong Osteoporosis Study.
• TBS analysis of lumbar spine DXA scans using TBS iNsight software.
• Bivariate and multivariable linear regression models explored associations with lifestyle factors.

Main Results:

• Lower TBS was associated with low mobility and antiresorptive medication use in both sexes.
• In men, low childhood physical activity was linked to lower TBS.
• In women, prior fracture, glucocorticosteroid use, and high calcium intake were associated with lower TBS.

Conclusions:

• Lower TBS in men is associated with older age, increased weight, low childhood physical activity, and lower BMD.
• Lower TBS in women is associated with older age, shorter stature, lower BMD, and low mobility.
• These findings highlight lifestyle and demographic factors influencing TBS, offering a more comprehensive view of bone health.