Sarcopenia and Balance in Community-dwelling Women with Postmenopausal Osteoporosis

Abstract

Objective:Sarcopenia and osteoporosis share common risk factors and biological pathways. In the present study, patients with postmenopausal osteoporosis were screened for sarcopenia using the algorithm proposed by the European Working Group on Sarcopenia in Older People (EWGSOP) and balance impairment was investigated in sarcopenic patients.Method:Fifty three postmenopausal osteoporotic patients were evaluated for sarcopenia as per the algorithm proposed by the EWGSOP. Among the parameters included in the algorithm, gait speed was assessed using the timed up&go test (TUG), Jamar hand dynamometer was used to measure grip strength and calf circumference (an anthropometric method) was used for the measurement of muscle mass. Balance was assessed using the Berg balance scale and functional abilities using the TUG.Results:Fifty three postmenopausal patients with osteoporosis with a mean age of 65.48±9.12 years (range 47-84) were enrolled in the study. Sixteen patients (30.2%) reported a fall within the previous year, 22 patients (41.5%) had a history of fracture and 17 patients (32.1%) had maternal history of hip fracture. Sarcopenia was present in 8 (15.1%) patients. There was no significant difference between balance measurements of sarcopenic and non-sarcopenic patients (p>0.05). Only muscle mass showed a positive weak correlation and a significant association with balance (r=0.28, p<0.05).Conclusion:Despite low rate of balance impairment, most of our patients had a history of fracture. Balance is not the only risk factor for falls in postmenopausal patients. The use of anthropometry as a screening tool and usage of more objective methods for definitive diagnosis provide more accurate data for the measurement of muscle mass.

Keywords

• balance
• osteoporosis
• postmenopausal
• sarcopenia