Bone Mineral Density (BMD) of Sedentary and Active Older Women With and Without Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)

Abstract

RA is a chronic, inflammatory disorder occurring more commonly in women. Women with RA may have increased risk of bone loss due to the hypermetabolic nature of the disease and steroid drug use. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of RA and programmed physical activity (PPA) on BMD in sedentary and active women (56-77 y, mean BMI=24.3 kg/m 2, mean body fat=40.9%). Subjects were classified into one of four groups: active RA (n=10; 25 y with RA), sedentary RA (n=13; 24 y with RA), active healthy control (HC) (n=10), sedentary HC (n=12). Active subjects engaged in PPA for 4-6 h/wk for ⩾5 y. Supplemental Ca intake was reported to be 564, 1368, 273, and 419 mg/d for the RA Active, RA Sedentary, HC Active, and HC Sedentary groups, respectively. BMD (hip and spine) was measured by DXA. ANOVA indicated no difference between groups for the variables measured. Engaging in PPA did not prevent BMD loss in active subjects. L2-L4, BMD (g/cm 2) Femur Neck, BMD (g/cm 2) Ward's Triangle, BMD (g/cm 2) RA Active 0.971±0.137 0.649±0.117 0.508±0.154 RA Sedentary 0.974±0.146 0.649±0.070 0.492±0.120 HC Active 0.894±0.168 0.654±0.097 0.506±0.132 HC Sedentary 0.956±0.172 0.677±0.120 0.531±0.158 Using Ward's Triangle BMD, a clinical diagnosis of osteoporosis was observed in 30% of the subjects overall and 40%, 27%, 10%, and 25% of subjects in the RA Active, RA Sedentary, HC Active, and HC Sedentary groups, respectively. These data indicate the importance of monitoring bone health in all older women regardless of health, activity level, and supplemental calcium intake.