Relation between Grip Strength and Hand Bone Mineral Density in Healthy Women Aged 30-70

S Ozgocmen, B Karaoglan, OB Cimen, ZR Yorgancioglu
Correspondence: Dr S Ozgocmen, sozgocmen@hotmail.com

ABSTRACT
Aim of Study To determine the site-specific relationship between grip strength and hand bone mineral density (BMD) measured with dual energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) in healthy women. The correlation of hand BMD and BMD at axial sites has also been assessed.
Method Twenty-nine healthy housewives, aged 30-70, were included in the study. Women were grouped according to their menopausal status (12 premenopausal and 17 postmenopausal). Grip strength of the dominant hand was measured using a Jamar dynamometer. BMD of the antero-posterior spine, femoral neck, trochanter, and Ward's triangle were measured with DXA. For the hand BMD measurements, the analysis software, which was modified from the software of small animals and developed for hand BMD measurements, was used.
Results Hand BMD moderately correlated with grip strength in postmenopausal women. There was no significant correlation between grip strength and hand BMD in premenopausal women. Significant positive correlations were determined between the hand BMD and BMD at axial sites.
Conclusion Grip strength may be an independent indicator of hand BMD in postmenopausal women, and also a site-specific relationship. Hand BMD measurements may indirectly reflect the BMD of axial sites especially in postmenopausal women.

Keywords: hand, bone mineral density, grip strength
Singapore Med J 2000; 41(6): 268-270