Türk Osteoporoz Dergisi (Dec 2004)
Relationships Among Metacarpal Bone Mass and Handgrip Strength In 150 Healthy Adult Males
Abstract
Bone density and muscle strength are the primary determinants of bone strength. Measurements of grip strength is less costly, less invasive and in combination with metacarpal bone mineral density (BMD) measurements could provide a feasible way of predicting bone mineral density. 150 hospital staff members and employees participated voluntarily in the study. Osteoporotic risk evaluation was done; they were questioned about profession and leisure time activities, tobacco and alcohol consumption; body weight-height-body mass indeks (BMI) were calculated. Right and left hand grip strength were measured using hydraulic hand dynamometer; BMD was measured by radiographic absorbsiometry in both hands. The mean age was 46 (30-68 years), 80% of the subjects were categorized as normal, 18% osteopenic and 1% osteoporotic. The mean value of BMI was 26.86 kg/m2 and handgrip strength was 37 kg. 78% were white collared, 12% were computer users, 40.4% consumed tobacco and their BMD were lower (p<0.0001). Their handgrip strength was also lower in both hands (p<0.01 for right hand, p<0.05 for left hand). There was no statistically significant difference between the dominant hand and non-dominant hand, but bone density was higher at the dominant side (p<0.0001). There were statistically significant relationship between the handgrip strength and bone density on both sides (p<0.0001). Age and BMI didn’t correlate with handgrip strength and bone density. Muscle strength is not adequate substitute for bone densitometry, but it can help to identify the risk groups which can be directed to bone density measurement.
