Impaired muscle parameters in adults with mild to severe types of osteogenesis imperfecta: a cross-sectional study

Impaired muscle parameters may further compromise the already compromised skeleton in individuals with OI. This cross-sectional study aimed to compare muscle function and body composition in adults with various OI types and healthy controls. Sixty-eight adults with OI (mean age 42.2 yr; 27 men) and 68 healthy age- and sex-matched controls were recruited. Maximal isometric muscle force was assessed by handheld dynamometry (hand grip, hip flexors, shoulder abductors, and ankle dorsiflexors), muscle endurance by posture maintenance tests (shoulder abduction, hip flexion, and wall sit), and functional lower limb strength by 30-s chair rise test. In a sub cohort, dynamic muscle function (peak power and force) was assessed by a ground reaction force plate, and lean and fat mass, muscle and fat cross-sectional area (CSA), and muscle density by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry and peripheral quantitative computed tomography. Multiple linear regression models were fitted with group (OI type I, III, IV/V, or controls), country, sex, and age in the fixed effects part. Overall, adults with various types of OI had lower isometric, endurance, and functional muscle strength (mean difference [MD] = OI type I: 19-43%, OI type IV/V: 25-68%, OI type III: 20-72%) compared to controls. Furthermore, adults with OI type I had lower dynamic muscle function (peak force [MD = 25-29%] and power [MD = 18-60%]), lean mass (MD = 10-17%), muscle CSA (MD = 9-21%), and muscle density (MD = 2-3%) but higher adiposity indices (MD = 24-42%) compared to controls. Functional lower limb strength and maximal muscle force were significantly different between OI types, whereas muscle endurance was not. To conclude, adults with OI present with markedly impaired muscle function which may partially be explained by their altered body composition. Our findings emphasize the need for proper assessment of various muscle parameters and (research into) appropriate and safe muscle strengthening approaches in this population.