Affiliations: [a] Department of Physiotherapy, Wrocław University
of Physical Education, Wrocław, Poland | [b] Department of Endocrinology, Diabetology and Isotope
Therapy, Wrocław Medical University, Wrocław, Poland
Note: [] Address for correspondence: Anna Skrzek, Department of
Physiotherapy, Wrocław University of Physical Education,
Rzeźbiarska Str. 4, 51-617 Wrocław, Poland. Tel./Fax: +48 71 347
36 09; E-mail: annaskrzek@poczta.onet.pl
Abstract: Background: Decreased bone strength together with impaired physical
efficiency followed by falls are the most important causes of osteoporotic
fractures in elderly population. Objectives: To examine the influence of age on isokinetic trunk and
knee flexion and extension torque properties, and to study their associations
with bone mineral density in women. Material and methods: 288 women were divided into 4 age groups
(40–49, 50–59, 60–69, 70–79 years). Isokinetic
concentric studies of spinal and knee extensors and flexors were carried out at
90°/s and 120°/s, for spine, and 60°/s and 180°/s for knees.
Bone mineral density was measured in the proximal femur by DXA. Results: The different strength parameters (peak torque, peak
torque/body mass, average torque of five repetitions) decreased and the time to
reach peak torque increased with age. Some relations have been noted between
these isokinetic parameters and bone mineral density. Conclusions: Age-related deterioration in strength-velocity
parameters of knee and spinal muscles are co-incidental with a gradual decrease
in proximal femur BMD in older women.
