Evaluation of bone density and hand grip strength in the course of drug treatment for osteoporosis

Background The aim of this clinical investigation was to assess the physical performance in osteoporotic patients undergoing drug treatment (DT) for years by measuring hand grip strength (HGS) and bone mineral density (BMD). A further aim was to detect the time until the occurrence of vertebral fractures (VF) and influencing factors. Material and methods The investigation comprised 346 persons (276 women, 70 men) aged on average 66.9 ± 10.7 years with confirmed osteoporosis (OP). Over a mean period of 1384 ± 727 days, OP was assessed every 2 years, including a bone densitometry by dual X‑ray absorptiometry and HGS measurement. In subgroups OP patients were analyzed with and without a bone density (BMD) increase, and with and without VFs. Results Under DT, calcium and vitamin D substitution, the median T‑score improved in the entire group from −3.2 to −3.1 standard deviations (SD; p = 0.002). HGS was reduced (median) from 26 kg to 24 kg ( p < 0.001). The median interval until the occurrence of VF was 2652 days (95% confidence interval [CI] 1825.2–3478.8 days) and 1461 days (95% CI 1246.5–1675.5, p < 0.001) in those with and without a BMD increase, respectively. Discussion Guideline-based DT improves bone density and causes a longer interval without VF. The HGS falls independent of BMD. The association between bone and muscle in patients with a deterioration of the musculoskeletal system is known as osteosarcopenia. Early muscle exercises would be meaningful in this setting. Graphic abstract