Physical fitness in patients with osteoporosis

Background: The strong musculoskeletal relationship plays a major role in generation of fractures and/or muscular weakness. Our aim was to define association between physical function tests like "tandem stand" (TS), "chair rising test" (CRT), "gait speed" (GS) and "hand grip strength" at the right and left side and existent peripheral or vertebral fractures in patients with densitometric verified osteo-porosis. We looked further for related differences in different age groups. Methods: Data from 174 patients with osteoporosis (122 female, 52 male) were collected and retrospectively analysed. The average age of all patients was 67.19 years. Physical parameters were examined and according to the localization of fractures (vertebral and non vertebral) investigated. We also considered patient's age according to the localization of fractures and divided all patients into three groups: < 60 years, 60-70 years, > 70 years. Results: A significant positive correlation was demonstrated in patients with vertebral fractures concerning the CRT (p < 0.001) and negative for GS (p < 0.001) as well as for STB (< 0.05). Patients with non-vertebral fractures had less handgrip strength at both arms compared to all other groups. These results are significant in the 60-70 year age group (p = 0.001 for the left and p < 0.001 for the right side). Conclusion: Functional tests, like CRT, GS and TS, are strongly and significantly associated with the number of vertebral fractures especially in older patients. Patients with nonvertebral fractures have significant reduced hand grip strength. Using these physical performance test an impaired physical status as the result of fractures as well as the risk of further fractures can be detected.