Association between physical performance and bone mass in community-dwelling postmenopausal Japanese women: The Unzen study

Abstract

Background Low bone mass is an independent risk factor for osteoporotic fractures. We examined the association between physical performance and bone mass using quantitative ultrasound in community-dwelling postmenopausal Japanese women. Methods We conducted a cross-sectional study on 524 community-dwelling postmenopausal Japanese women who were not being administered osteoporosis medications. Physical performance was assessed on the basis of grip strength, chair stand time, and functional reach. The stiffness index was measured as a quantitative ultrasound parameter for heel bone mass. Results Physical performance, assessed by grip strength, chair stand time, and functional reach, and the stiffness index significantly decreased with age (both p<0.001). The multiple linear regression analysis showed that grip strength (p = 0.001), chair stand time (p = 0.004), and functional reach (p = 0.048) were significantly associated with the stiffness index after adjusting for age, body mass index, smoking, drinking, and exercise. Conclusions Physical performance was significantly associated with heel bone mass in community-dwelling postmenopausal Japanese women.