Abstract

Objectives: Sarcopenia and osteoporosis share common risk factors and biological pathways. In the present study, patients with postmenopausal osteoporosis were screened for sarcopenia using the algorithm proposed by the EWGSOP and balance impairment was investigated in sarcopenic patients.
Methods: 53 postmenopausal osteoporotic patients were evaluated for sarcopenia as per the algorithm proposed by the European Working Group on Sarcopenia in Older People (EWGSOP). Among the parameters included in the algorithm, gait speed was assessed using the Timed Up&Go Test (TUG), Jamar hand dynamometer was used to measure grip strength and calf circumference (an anthropometric method) was used for measurement of muscle mass. Balance was assessed using the Berg Balance Scale (BBS) and functional abilities using the Timed Up&Go Test (TUG).
Results: 53 postmenopausal patients with osteoporosis with a mean age of 65.48 ± 9.12 years(range 47-84) were enrolled in the study. 16 patients(30.2%) reported a fall within the previous year, 22 patient(41.5%) had a history of fracture and 17(32.1%) had maternal history of hip fracture. Sarcopenia was present in 8(15.1%) patients. There were no significant difference was found between balance measurements of sarcopenic and non-sarcopenic patients(p>0.05). Only muscle mass showed a positive weak correlation and a significant association with balance(r:0.28, p

Key words: balance, osteoporosis, postmenopausal, sarcopenia