Physical Performance of Geriatric Women and Its Impact on Fracture Risk and Bone Mineral Density Assessed with...

This study aimed to investigate the impact of physical performance of geriatric women on their fracture risk and bone mineral density (BMD) assessed with radiofrequency echographic multispectrometry (REMS).

We conducted a prospective observational study to assess the physical performance, BMD and fracture risk in 182 geriatric women aged 60 years and older. BMD was measured using REMS scanning (developed by Echolight S. p. a., Lecce, Italy), and the Fracture Risk Assessment Tool (FRAX) was utilized to estimate fracture risk. Physical performance was assessed using hand grip strength (HGS), Timed Up and Go (TUG), Five Times Sit-to-Stand Test (5XSST) and Flamingo test.

The mean HGS of both hands differed significantly between the groups with normal BMD, osteopenia and osteoporosis measured at the lumbar spine and hip. The mean TUG time of the subjects with osteoporosis was significantly higher (13.77 s) than those with osteopenia (7.14 s) and normal BMD (6.05 s) of the hip (p = 0.024). The mean 5XSST time of the subjects with normal BMD (8.86 s) was lower than those with osteopenia (9.30 s) and osteoporosis (13.6 s) of the hip (p = 0.012).

This study revealed strong associations between physical performance and fracture risk. Rehabilitation programs focused on strength and mobility may be essential for fracture prevention.