Muscle strength and bone density in patients with different rheumatic conditions: cross-sectional study
2011

Muscle Strength and Bone Density in Rheumatic Patients

Sample size: 361 publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Selma Cvijetić, Simeon Grazio, Milica Gomzi, Ladislav Krapac, Tomislav Nemčić, Melita Uremović, Jasminka Bobić

Primary Institution: Institute for Medical Research and Occupational Health, Zagreb, Croatia

Hypothesis

Is inflammatory arthritis more harmful for muscle strength and bone loss than degenerative joint diseases?

Conclusion

Muscle strength decline may be connected to bone loss in patients with rheumatic conditions, especially those with inflammatory joint diseases.

Supporting Evidence

  • Patients with inflammatory arthritis had the lowest muscle strength and bone density.
  • Muscle strength was significantly lower in patients with lower bone mineral density.
  • The study included a diverse group of patients with various rheumatic conditions.

Takeaway

This study found that people with certain types of arthritis have weaker muscles and lower bone density, which can make them more likely to have problems as they age.

Methodology

The study measured muscle strength and bone density in 361 patients with various rheumatic conditions using isometric dynamometry and dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry.

Potential Biases

Some reported correlation coefficients indicated weak or negligible correlation and should be considered with caution.

Limitations

The study had a relatively small number of patients with inflammatory arthritis compared to other diagnoses.

Participant Demographics

257 women (mean age 59.4 years) and 104 men (mean age 61.6 years).

Statistical Information

P-Value

P=0.024

Statistical Significance

p<0.05

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.3325/cmj.2011.52.164

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