64 Association between Risk of Osteoporotic Fractures with Spinal Morphology, Muscle Strength and Physical Performance

Abstract

Abstract Osteoporotic related fractures (OF) are associated with functional impairments and declined quality of life. Low bone mineral density is one of the main risk factor for OF. However, there is limited information regarding the association of spinal morphology, muscle strength and physical performance with OF. The aim of the study was to examine association between risk of osteoporotic fractures with spinal morphology (thoracolumbar curvature and back extensors muscle strength), muscle strength and physical performance. 105 adults aged 50 years and above (69.3+ 8.5 years) were recruited for this cross-sectional study from a spine orthopaedic clinic. Thoracolumbar curvature, back extensors (BEMS) and handgrip (HGS) muscle strength were measured using an electromagnetic tracking system, a load-cell system and hand-held dynamometer respectively. Physical performance was assessed using Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB). Participants were categorised for major osteoporotic fracture risk (major OF) with cut-point 10% using fracture risk calculator (FRAX®) with BMD. Student t-test analysis demonstrated that there is a significant (p<0.05) difference between participants with low risk and moderate to high risk of major OF for BEMS, HGS, and SPPB. Adjusted logistic models (forward and backward), showed that lower HGS and physical performance were associated with increased risk of major OF (HGS: OR = 0.18 [95% CI, 0.07–0.48]; SPPB: OR = 0.32[95% CI, 0.13–0.80]). Our study results suggest that declined muscle strength and physical performance is associated with higher risk of OF. It is important to promote optimum muscle strength and physical performance among older adults in the prevention of OF.