HANDGRIP STRENGTH AND SOME RELATED FACTORS AMONG OLDER PATIENTS WITH OSTEOPOROSIS

Abstract

SUMMARY

Objectives: To assess handgrip strength (HGS), lower limb strength, and some related factors among older people with osteoporosis. Subjects and Methods: A cross-sectional study on 141 older patients with osteoporosis examined and treated at National Geriatric Hospital from June to October 2022. HGS was measured using the handgrip strength dynamometer, and lower limb strength was assessed by the 5-time chair stand test. General information, characteristics of osteoporosis, and geriatric syndromes were collected. Results: 56% of individuals had impaired HGS, and 24.8% of participants had impaired lower limb strength. The older age group was significantly associated with lower handgrip strength (p<0.05). Those with HGS impairment had lower mean BMI (p<0.05). The co-incidence of lumbar spondylosis and diabetes significantly differed between the two groups (p< 0.05). Participants who experienced pain and lumbar spine malformation had a higher rate of impaired HGS (p<0.05). Declining cognitive function increases 5.7 times the risk of HGS decline. The risk of deterioration in HGS was increased in participants with low physical activity levels (OR=3.9), sleep disturbance (OR=3.8), depression (OR=3.7), frailty syndrome (OR=3.5), risk of fall (OR=3.4) and malnutrition (OR=2.2). Conclusion: Half of the subjects had reduced HGS and a quarter of the subjects had reduced lower limb muscle strength. Age, BMI, diabetes, lumbar spondylosis or other joints, living status, and geriatric syndromes were significantly associated with impaired HGS.