Bone mineral density; FRAX; Mongolian population; Muscle strength; Osteoporotic fractures; Sarcopenia; Humans; Male; Female; Middle Aged; Mongolia/epidemiology; Cross-Sectional Studies; Aged; Adult; Absorptiometry, Photon; Hip Fractures/epidemiology; Risk Assessment; Risk Factors; Aged, 80 and over; Bone Density/physiology; Hand Strength/physiology; Sarcopenia/epidemiology; Sarcopenia/physiopathology; Osteoporotic Fractures/epidemiology; Muscle, Skeletal/physiology; Bone Density; Hand Strength; Hip Fractures; Mongolia; Muscle, Skeletal; Orthopedics and Sports Medicine
Abstract :
[en] [en] UNLABELLED: This study in Mongolia reveals that weaker grip strength and higher sarcopenia risk are linked to greater fracture risk and lower bone density. It highlights the crucial interplay between muscle and bone health, emphasizing the need for integrated musculoskeletal assessments to prevent fractures, especially in aging populations.
BACKGROUND: Research on the relationship between bone and muscle health in low- and middle-income countries, particularly Central Asia, remains limited.
OBJECTIVES: To explore the correlation between muscle and bone health and to estimate the FRAX risk for major osteoporotic fractures (MOF) and hip fractures in the Mongolian population, stratified by age and sex.
METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted in Ulaanbaatar and regional Mongolia from May to August 2024. Handgrip strength, sarcopenia risk (SARC-F) and bone mineral density using peripheral DXA (BMD T-score) were assessed. Fracture risks were estimated using the FRAX model.
RESULTS: Participants (n = 857; median age, 52 years; 53.0% women) had a median grip strength of 28 kg and a median BMD T-score of - 1.9. Most (69.5%) were at low sarcopenia risk (SARC-F < 4). SARC-F was moderately correlated with FRAX scores for MOF and hip fractures (r ≈ 0.27, p < 0.001) while grip strength was negatively correlated with FRAX scores(r = - 0.24, p < 0.001). Grip strength positively correlated with BMD T-scores (r = 0.22, p < 0.001). Fracture risks increased with age, with women showing higher rates than men. Higher sarcopenia risk (SARC-F ≥ 4) was associated with lower BMD and increased fracture risk. Lower grip strength (< 18 kg for women, < 28 kg for men) was linked to higher fracture risk and lower BMD.
CONCLUSIONS: This study highlights the interconnected nature of muscle and bone health in the Mongolian population, demonstrating that lower grip strength and higher sarcopenia risk are significantly associated with increased fracture risk and reduced bone density. These findings underscore the importance of integrated strategies for musculoskeletal health assessment and fracture prevention, particularly in aging populations.
Disciplines :
Geriatrics
Author, co-author :
Jaalkhorol, Myadagmaa; Department of Health Research, Graduate School, Mongolian National University of Medical Sciences, Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia ; Mongolian Naran Society for Osteoarthritis and Musculoskeletal Health, Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia
Buckinx, Fanny ; Université de Liège - ULiège > Département des Sciences de l'activité physique et de la réadaptation
Dashtseren, Amarsaikhan; Mongolian Naran Society for Osteoarthritis and Musculoskeletal Health, Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia ; Department of Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health, Mongolian National University of Medical Sciences, Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia
Baatar, Seded; Department of Health Research, Graduate School, Mongolian National University of Medical Sciences, Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia
Khaidav, Nansalmaa; Department of Health Social Work and Social Sciences, School of Public Health, Mongolian National University of Medical Sciences, Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia
Ochirdorj, Gerelmaa; Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Mongolian National University of Medical Sciences, Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia
Darambazar, Bolormaa; Department of Health Research, Graduate School, Mongolian National University of Medical Sciences, Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia
Batsaikhan, Batmunkh; Department of Health Research, Graduate School, Mongolian National University of Medical Sciences, Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia
Munkhsonguuli, Uugantamir; Department of Health Research, Graduate School, Mongolian National University of Medical Sciences, Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia
Lkhagvasuren, Bayarmagnai; Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Mongolian National University of Medical Sciences, Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia
Byambaa, Bulgantuya; Department of Nursing, School of Nursing, Dornogovi Mongolian National University of Medical Science, Dornogovi, Mongolia
Zhu, Wu Qi; Inner Mongolia Medical University, Hohhot, China
Avirmed, Shiirevnyamba; Department of Health Research, Graduate School, Mongolian National University of Medical Sciences, Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia. shiirevnyamba@mnums.edu.mn
Bruyère, Olivier ; Université de Liège - ULiège > Département des sciences de la santé publique > Santé publique, Epidémiologie et Economie de la santé
The authors thank the personnel from the Chingeltei and Songinokhairkhan Health Units, Govi-Altai, Khentii, Dornogovi, Tuv, Khuvsgul aimags Health Units, Department of Health Research, Graduate School, Mongolian National University of Medical Sciences, Denk Pharma LLC, Mongolia, Ulaanbaatar, Centre for Metabolic Bone Diseases, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK, Research Unit in Public Health, Epidemiology and Health Economics, University of Li\u00E8ge, Li\u00E8ge, Belgium, and their technical assistance with the surveys. We also thank all the study participants.
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