Association between self-reported walking speed and calcaneal stiffness index in postmenopausal Japanese women

Abstract

Background Osteoporosis and related fractures, a worldwide public health issue of growing concern, is characterized by compromised bone strength and an increased risk of fracture. Here we show an association between self-reported walking speed and bone mass among community-dwelling postmenopausal Japanese women aged 50 years and older. Design; cross-sectional study Setting and Participants; The survey population included 1008 postmenopausal women 50–92 years of age residing in rural communities. Methods Self-reported walking speed was ascertained by asking the participants: “Is your walking speed faster than others of the same age and sex?” to which participants responded “yes (faster)” or “no (moderate/slower).” Calcaneal stiffness index was measured. Results Women with a faster self-reported walking speed were younger and had a lower BMI, higher stiffness index, and higher grip strength than women with a slower walking speed. Multiple linear regression analysis adjusted for age, BMI, grip strength, comorbidity, current smoking, and alcohol drinking status showed a significant association between faster self-reported walking speed and higher calcaneal stiffness index (p < 0.001). Conclusions Our findings suggest that questionnaires of walking speed may be useful for predicting bone mass and that a fast self-reported walking may benefit bone health in postmenopausal women.

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

“…Heel bone mass (stiffness index) decreased significantly with age in postmenopausal women. Consistent with our results, previous studies have reported that aging is significantly associated with a lower stiffness index in postmenopausal women [ 24 , 36 , 37 ].…”

“…Grip strength, chair stand time and functional reach were significantly associated with the stiffness index after adjusting for age, BMI, smoking, alcohol consumption, and exercise. Previous studies have shown significant associations between physical performance measures and bone mass by QUS [ 23 , 24 ], which are consistent with our results.…”

“…Grip strength was significantly and positively associated with QUS parameters (SOS and stiffness index) [ 23 , 24 ], which is consistent with our results. Kritz et al [ 56 ] reported that grip strength was significantly associated with BMD at the radius, lumbar spine, and hip joint, and Vogel et al [ 57 ] reported that calcaneal BMD correlated with radius, spine, and hip BMD.…”

T-score discordance between hip and lumbar spine: risk factors and clinical implications

“… 28 Some studies have also identified a positive association between walking speed and bone mass. 29 We assumed that the 47 participants in the major discordance group likely had difficulty with self-ambulation, as indicated by their significantly lower BI and higher BMI values. They may have spent more time sitting or lying down, which could have limited the physical loading on their lumbar spine and negatively affected their hip bone mass.…”