Muscle strength rather than muscle mass is associated with osteoporosis in older Chinese adults

Abstract

Assessment of the association of muscle strength and muscle mass with osteoporosis (OP) is of special interest as muscles are a potential target for interventions (i.e., strength training). Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study encompassing people aged ≥ 60 years (average age: 66.9 ± 6.2 years; men, n = 516; women, n = 652) in the Hangu area of Tianjin, China. The study populations were invited to participate in a comprehensive geriatric assessment. OS was identified by measuring the calcaneal using a quantitative ultrasound and a T score of less than –2.5. Muscle characteristics included grip strength and appendicular skeletal muscle mass (ASM). Results: The prevalence of OS in this study was 61.6% (male 52.1%, female 69.1%). Grip strength was negatively related to OS and after adjusting for all other variables, higher grip strength was found to be associated with a lower OS risk (p = 0.023). ASM/height2 was not associated with OS (p = 0.205). Conclusion: Based on our study, muscle strength rather than muscle mass is negatively associated with OS in older people; thus, we should pay more attention to muscle strength training in the early stage of the OS.

Keywords

• elderly
• muscle mass
• muscle strength
• osteoporosis