Relationship between age and handgrip strength indexes in elderly women with low bone mass. Preliminary study

Background The aim of this preliminary study was to characterize handgrip strength indexes in elderly women with low bone mass and determine their relationship with age. Material/Methods The study sample consisted of 63 postmenopausal women with osteopenia and ostoporosis, aged 60-74. The subjects were divided into three age groups: 60-64 years, 65-69 years and 70-74 years. To perform this study two handgrip strength indexes were used: handgrip strength on body weight (HS/weight) and handgrip strength on body mass index (HS/BMI). Handgrip strength was measured with Jamar hand dynamometer. Results These studies revealed a significant decrease in handgrip strength indexes between age groups: 60-64 years and 70-74 years. As for the average HS/weight, it was registered: 0.38 +/- 0.07 kg for the group 60-64 years, 0.33 +/- 0.06 kg for the group 65-69 years and 0.32 +/- 0.05 kg for group 70-44 years. The results of the average HS/BMI in three groups were as follows: 0.99 +/- 0.24 kg/kg/m(2), 0.86 +/- 0.19 kg/kg/m(2) and 0.8 +/- 0.16 kg/kg/m(2), respectively. Conclusions Handgrip strength indexes in elderly women with low bone mass are gradually decreasing with age. Thus, handgrip strength indexes could provide a convenient tool for clinicians to set goals and to monitor the training progress in women with osteopenia and osteoporosis.