Muscle strength rather than muscle mass is associated with osteoporosis in older Chinese adults.

BACKGROUND: Assessment of the association of muscle strength and muscle mass with osteoporosis (OP) is of special interest as muscles are a potential target for interventions (i.e., strength training).

METHODS: A cross-sectional descriptive study encompassing people aged ≥ 60 years (average age: 66.9 ± 6.2 years; men, n = 516; women, n = 652) in the Hangu area of Tianjin, China. The study populations were invited to participate in a comprehensive geriatric assessment. OS was identified by measuring the calcaneal using a quantitative ultrasound and a T score of less than -2.5. Muscle characteristics included grip strength and appendicular skeletal muscle mass (ASM).

RESULTS: The prevalence of OS in this study was 61.6% (male 52.1%, female 69.1%). Grip strength was negatively related to OS and after adjusting for all other variables, higher grip strength was found to be associated with a lower OS risk (p = 0.023). ASM/height2 was not associated with OS (p = 0.205).

CONCLUSION: Based on our study, muscle strength rather than muscle mass is negatively associated with OS in older people; thus, we should pay more attention to muscle strength training in the early stage of the OS.