Article

OBJECTIVE: To investigate: the accuracy of measuring relative left/right
weight-bearing using two identically calibrated weighing scales; the short-term
weight-bearing tendencies in a general population of 9 participants and long-term
in 42 females; the effect weight-bearing inequalities on hip bone mineral density
and leg lean tissue mass. METHOD: Participants were measured standing astride two
scales. Short-term volunteers were measured 10 times on one visit, with
repositioning between measurements and the long-term group were measured on three
visits at 6 month intervals. Baseline bilateral hip and total body Dual X-ray
Absorptiometry scans were performed on the long-term group. RESULTS: The
short-term Coefficient of Variation is 5.41% and long-term 7.01%. No significant
correlations were found between hip bone density differences and weight-bearing
inequalities, although a weak correlation of r = 0.31 (p = 0.047) was found for
differences in leg lean tissue mass. CONCLUSION: Left/right weight-bearing
measured using two scales is a consistent method for evaluating weight
distribution through the legs. The short- and long-term weight-bearing tendencies
showed a similar degree of variation. Weight-bearing inequalities were not
associated with any significant left/right differences in bone mineral density at
the hip, but were weakly associated with left-right differences in leg muscle
mass.

Langue : ANGLAIS