Article

Women in early postmenopause and with low bone mineral density (BMD)
may exhibit early markers for physical frailty as a result of sarcopenia and
osteopenia. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to determine whether women
in early postmenopause and with low BMD exhibit decreased physical performance
and differences in gait variability and fall and fracture rates. DESIGN: This
study was an observational cohort design with participants assigned to groups on
the basis of BMD status. METHODS: Fifty-four women, 31 with low BMD and 23 with
normal BMD, participated. This study was conducted in a university research
facility. Physical performance was measured by assessment of dynamic balance
(timed backward tandem walk test), strength (handheld dynamometry of isometric
quadriceps muscle force production), and free gait speed. Gait variability was
assessed on the basis of the coefficient of variation for temporal-spatial gait
characteristics. Falls and fractures were assessed for the year after initial
testing. RESULTS: Significant between-group differences were found for step time
and stance time variability. LIMITATIONS: The limitations of this study included
group assignment on the basis of the results of the most recent bone density scan
within the preceding 2 years. CONCLUSIONS: Women in early postmenopause and with
low BMD exhibited increased gait variability in step time and stance time but did
not exhibit differences in balance, strength, or gait speed. Gait variability may
be more sensitive for detecting differences in women in early postmenopause and
with or without low BMD than more typical measures of physical performance.

Langue : ANGLAIS