Abstract
BackgroundLow bone mineral density (BMD) and falls are common problems encountered in the postmenopausal women. The purpose was to evaluate the association between postural balance and BMD in postmenopausal women and its relation to risk for falls.MethodsIn this cross-sectional study, 225 women in amenorrhea > 12 months and age ≥ 45 years were included and divided, according to BMD, in T-score values > -2.0 SD (n = 140) and ≤ -2 SD (n = 85). Those with neurological or musculoskeletal disorders, history of vestibulopathies, uncorrected visual deficit or drug use that could affect balance were excluded. History of falls (last 24 months), clinical and anthropometric characteristics were evaluated. Postural balance was assessed by stabilometry (force platform). For statistical analysis were used Wilcoxon's Test, Chi-Square Test and logistic regression method for fall risk (Odds Ratio-OR).ResultsPatients with BMD > -2.0 SD were younger, with shorter time since menopause, and showed higher BMI as compared to those with low BMD (≤ -2 SD) (p < 0.05). It was observed that 57.8% of the participants reported fall episodes without significant difference distribution between the groups (p = 0.055). No differences were found from the comparison between the groups (p > 0.05) for stabilometric parameters. Risk for falls increased with age (OR 1.07; CI 95% 1.01-1.13), current smoking (OR 2.19; CI 95% 1.22-3.21) and corrected visual deficit (OR 9.06; CI 95% 1.14-4.09). In contrast, hormone therapy (HT) use was significantly associated with reduced risk for falls (OR 0.48; CI 95% 0.26-0.88).ConclusionsIn postmenopausal women, BMD did not show association with postural balance or risk for falls. Age, smoking and corrected visual deficit were clinical indicators of risk for falls whereas HT use showed to be a protective factor.
Highlights
Low bone mineral density (BMD) and falls are common problems encountered in the postmenopausal women
We observed that 24.4% of participants reported using bisphosphonates to treat osteoporosis, with an average of 2 years of use
The results suggest that some data from the force platform can be predictive of subsequent falls, especially as indicators of postural balance lateral control
Summary
Low bone mineral density (BMD) and falls are common problems encountered in the postmenopausal women. The purpose was to evaluate the association between postural balance and BMD in postmenopausal women and its relation to risk for falls. Loss of balance and increased body sway are important risk factors for falls in the postmenopausal women [1]. The age-associated increase in the incidence of osteoporotic fractures results from a combination of increased fall risk and reduced bone strength. Various factors are associated with falls, impaired balance and mobility have been consistently identified as the main risk factors [2]. Relevant clinical factors include fall history, weakness, fainting, sarcopenia, dizziness or vestibulopathies, mobility disabilities, arthritis or arthrosis, sedatives, and visual deficit [4]. Reduction in fall risk is focused on exercises aiming to improve balance and muscle strength, adjusting medication use and diminishing the danger for falls at home [5]
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