Isokinetic evaluation of the wrist flexors and extensors in women with postmenopausal osteoporosis

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Distal radius fractures are the third most common fracture observed in osteoporotic patients. In addition, wrist muscle weakness may be a risk factor for such fractures because of the protective role these muscles play during falls.

OBJECTIVE: The main objective was to explore isokinetic wrist muscle strength in osteoporotic and matched non-osteoporotic postmenopausal women.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty osteoporotic postmenopausal women (patient group) and 15 healthy non-osteoporotic postmenopausal women with a normal DXA score (control group) were recruited. Bone mineral density was measured using a DXA device. Vertebral (L1-L4), femoral neck, and femoral total measurements were recorded. Wrist muscle strength was evaluated isokinetically.

RESULTS: Peak moment values of the wrist flexors at 60 and 180 degrees/s were significantly lower in the patient group than in the control group. Extensor muscle strength did not differ significantly between the 2 groups.

CONCLUSION: Wrist flexors strength is lower in osteoporotic postmenopausal women than their non-osteoporotic counterparts. As this variation might be a risk factor for distal radius fractures in osteoporotic postmenopausal women, strengthening this muscle group should be seriously explored.