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H Suominen

Publications and source records attributed to H Suominen.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2005

Influence of physical activity and maturation status on bone mass and geometry in early pubertal girls.

This study aimed to evaluate the influence of leisure-time physical activity on the development of bone mass and density in early pubertal girls. Scores of physical activity were obtained from 242 Finnish girls (10-12 years old within Tanner Stages I-II) using a questionnaire. Bone mass and density were assessed using different densitometric techniques. At Tanner Stage I, active girls had significantly higher bone mineral mass (BMC) and areal bone mineral density (aBMD) of the whole body and cortical volumetric BMD and thickness of the tibial shaft compared with sedentary girls (P<0.05). On the other hand, the active girls at Tanner Stage II showed significantly higher values only in BMC and aBMD at the lumbar spine (P=0.017 and P=0.007, respectively). These indicated that girls at Tanner Stage I with higher leisure-time physical activity level benefited more from physical activity in terms of their bone development than their less active counterparts. Our results provide evidence that the most beneficial time for physical exercise to exhibit its effect on bone development is in the earlier pubertal period for normal school children, but the positive effect on the lumbar spine is also demonstrated in Tanner Stage II.

Bone Density↗
PubMed2002

Randomized, double-blind, clinically controlled trial of intranasal calcitonin treatment in patients with hip fracture.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the short-term outcome of intranasal calcitonin treatment of elderly hip fracture patients on pain, bone loss, functional recovery, and length of hospital stay. In addition, we wanted to compare the effect of calcitonin with placebo on fusion of hip fractures treated with internal fixation using a screw or a nail. In a randomized, double-blind, clinically controlled trial, 260 independently living patients (aged 65 years or older) with acute hip fracture were randomly assigned to intranasal calcitonin 200 IU daily for 3 months or matching placebo nasal spray. Analyses were completed on an intention-to-treat basis. Three months after the operation, the median intensity of pain in visual analog scale was 0 mm (IQR 0.20) in the calcitonin group and 4 mm (IQR 0.33) in the placebo group (P = 0.15). The mean change in calcaneal bone mineral density from baseline to 3 months was not statistically significant between the groups -0.004 (95% CI -0.008 to -0.001) in the calcitonin group and -0.007 (95% CI -0.012 to -0.003) in the placebo group (P = 0.28). There were no significant differences in mortality, side effects, length of hospital stay, and functional recovery. Among patients with internal fixation using a screw or a nail (n = 99), fusion of the fracture was observed in an X-ray 3 months after the operation in 84% in the calcitonin group and in 63% in the placebo group (P = 0.029, difference 20% [95% CI 2 to 39]). We conclude that intranasal calcitonin might be useful for hip fracture patients but the clinical significance of this finding needs to be confirmed by studies with more participants, a longer treatment period, a longer follow-up, and perhaps a higher dose of calcitonin.

Activities of Daily Living↗
PubMed2002

Serum tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase 5b, but not 5a, correlates with other markers of bone turnover and bone mineral density.

Human serum contains two isoforms of tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRACP) known as TRACP 5a and TRACP 5b with pH optima of 5.0 and 5.8, respectively. Preliminary data suggest that serum TRACP 5b is derived from osteoclasts and serum TRACP 5a from some other cells. It has been reported that heparin inhibits TRACP 5a but has no effect on the activity of TRACP 5b. Here we show that heparin has no effect on serum TRACP activity, as determined using our previously published immunoassay, suggesting that the immunoassay does not detect TRACP 5a. The change of serum TRACP 5b activity after 6 months HRT, determined by this immunoassay, correlated significantly with the changes of all markers of bone turnover determined, including serum N- and C-terminal propeptides of type I collagen and urinary-free deoxypyridinoline. Serum TRACP 5b activity was significantly elevated in patients with osteoporosis and had a significant negative correlation with bone mineral density (BMD). Serum TRACP 5a activity, determined by an immunoassay, showed no correlation with serum TRACP 5b activity, with BMD, or with any of the markers of bone turnover. These results show that serum TRACP 5b, but not 5a, reflects the bone resorption rate, and that our TRACP 5b immunoassay may be a specific method for the determination of the bone resorption rate from serum samples.

Acid Phosphatase↗
PubMed2002

Change in bone mass distribution induced by hormone replacement therapy and high-impact physical exercise in post-menopausal women.

The purpose of this intervention trial was to determine whether changes in bone mass distribution could be observed in postmenopausal women following hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and/or high-impact physical exercise. Eighty healthy women, aged 50-57 years, at <5 years after the onset of menopause and with no previous use of HRT, were randomly assigned to one of four groups: HRT; exercise (Ex); HRT + Ex (ExHRT); and control (Co). HRT administration was conducted in a double-blind manner for 1 year using estradiol plus noretisterone acetate (Kliogest). The exercise groups participated in a 1 year progressive training program consisting of jumping and bounding activities. Subjects participated in two supervised sessions per week and were asked to perform a series of exercises at home 4 days/week. Bone measurements using a quantitative computed tomography scanner (Somatom DR, Siemens) were obtained from the proximal femur, midfemur, proximal tibia, and tibial shaft. Data were analyzed with a software program (BONALYSE 1.3) calculating density (g/cm(3)), cross-sectional area (CSA; mm(2)), and moments of inertia (I(max), I(min), I(polar)). In addition, the bone mass spectrum was determined as a function of the angular distribution around the bone mass center (polar distribution) and the distance from the bone mass center through the diaphyseal wall (radial distribution). After the 1 year period, there was an overall interaction of group x time in bone mineral density (BMD) at the proximal femur (p = 0.05) and tibial shaft (p = 0.035). Women in the ExHRT and HRT groups had increased proximal femur and tibial shaft BMD when compared with the change observed in the Co group (p = 0.024-0.011). The change was more pronounced in the cortical tibia, wherein the ExHRT group also differed from the Ex group (p = 0.038). No significant changes were found in bone CSA at any of the measured sites. The radial distribution indicated an increase of BMD in the endocortical part of the measured sites in the HRT and ExHRT groups and in the proximal tibia in the Ex group. The polar distribution showed that bone mass was redistributed in the anteroposterior direction. The changes in I(max), I(min), and I(polar) in the HRT and ExHRT groups differed from those in the Co group at the proximal femur, midfemur, and proximal tibia (p = 0.047-0.001). The Ex group also differed from the Co group in I(max) and I(polar) at the proximal tibia (p = 0.018 and 0.039, respectively). These results support the idea that HRT acts primarily at the bone-marrow interface. The exercise intervention chosen for this study contributed to the maintenance of bone mass. Our results suggest that both HRT and exercise have local effects on bone mass. The change in bone mass distribution induced by HRT and exercise may play an important role in the alteration of bone strength.

Analysis of Variance↗
PubMed2001

Calcaneal bone mineral and ultrasound attenuation in male athletes exposed to weight-bearing and nonweight-bearing activity. A cross-sectional report.

BACKGROUND: To determine if the expected differences in bone mineral content/density of the calcaneus among male athletic groups that undertake weight-bearing and nonweight-bearing activity are also apparent for bone quality as assessed by quantitative ultrasound (QUS) attenuation. METHODS EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN: cross-sectional. SETTING: a University research laboratory. PARTICIPANTS: we studied 30 young men: 10 Finnish national level jumpers whose training incorporates repeated impacts to the heel, 10 aquatics athletes whose skeletons are exposed to nonweight-bearing activity, and 10 sedentary men matched for age and body weight. MEASURES: bone mineral content (BMC, g x cm(-1)), areal bone mineral density (BMDa; g x cm(-2)) and presumed volumetric BMD (BMDv, g x cm(-3)) was measured by single energy photon absorption (SPA). Broadband ultrasound attenuation (BUA using Fourier spectral estimation and UBI-4 using Burg spectral estimation, both in db/MHz) was assessed by a new QUS device (QUS-1TM, Metra Biosystems). RESULTS: There was no difference in years of sport specific training or total training time per week between athlete groups. BMC, BMDa and BMDv were significantly different among groups (p=0.0001) with jumpers being higher than aquatics athletes and controls. BMC of jumpers was 52% and 39% higher than controls and aquatics athletes, respectively, while the corresponding values for BMDv were 34% and 28%. However, BUA values were not significantly different (p=0.10) among groups nor was UBI-4 (p=0.03; jumpers values were 7% and 6% higher than aquatics athletes and controls, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: These cross-sectional results indicate that bone mineral content and density of the calcaneus are substantially higher in jumpers than individuals engaged in nonweight-bearing or regular weight-bearing activity. However, parameters assessed by QUS attenuation are not markedly different, which suggests that bone quality properties may not be as responsive as that of bone mineral content/density to habitual skeletal loading.

Adult↗
PubMed2001

Effects of hormone replacement therapy and high-impact physical exercise on skeletal muscle in post-menopausal women: a randomized placebo-controlled study.

An age-related decline in muscle performance is a known risk factor for falling, fracture and disability. In women, a clear deterioration is observed from early menopause. The effect of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) in preserving muscle performance is, however, unclear. This trial examined the effects of a 12-month HRT and high-impact physical exercise regimen on skeletal muscle in women in early menopause. A total of 80 women aged 50-57 years were assigned randomly to one of four groups: exercise (Ex), HRT, exercise+HRT (ExHRT) and control (Co). The exercise groups participated in a high-impact training programme. The administration of HRT (oestradiol/noretisterone acetate) or placebo was carried out double-blind. Knee extension torque and vertical jumping height were evaluated. Lean tissue cross-sectional area (LCSA) and the relative proportion of fat within the muscle compartment were measured for the quadriceps and lower leg muscles. The ExHRT group showed significant increases in knee extension torque (8.3%) and vertical jumping height (17.2%) when compared with the Co group (-7.2%). Vertical jumping height also increased after HRT alone (6.8%). The LCSA of the quadriceps was increased significantly in the HRT (6.3%) and ExHRT (7.1%) groups when compared with the Ex (2.2%) and Co (0.7%) groups. Lower leg LCSA was also increased in the ExHRT group (9.1%) when compared with the Ex (3.0%) and Co (4.1%) groups. In addition, the increase in the relative proportion of fat in the quadriceps in the Co group (16.6%) was significant compared with those in the HRT (4.9%) and ExHRT (-0.6%) groups. Thus, in post-menopausal women, muscle performance, muscle mass and muscle composition are improved by HRT. The beneficial effects of HRT combined with high-impact physical training may exceed those of HRT alone.

Analysis of Variance↗
PubMed2000

Tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase 5b: a novel serum marker of bone resorption.

Human serum contains two forms of tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP), 5a and 5b. Of these, 5a contains sialic acid and 5b does not. We show here that antigenic properties and pH optimum of TRAP purified from human osteoclasts are identical to those of serum TRAP 5b and completely different from those of serum TRAP 5a, suggesting that 5b would be derived from osteoclasts and 5a from some other source. We developed a novel immunoassay specific for 5b using a monoclonal antibody O1A as capture antibody. O1A did not bind acid phosphatase derived from platelets and erythrocytes. Western analysis showed that O1A was specific for TRAP in both human bone and serum. We measured bound TRAP activity at pH 6.1, where 5b is highly active and 5a almost completely inactive. The immunoassay detected more than 90% of the initial TRAP 5b activity after 8-h incubation of serum samples at 25 degrees C and after 3 days incubation at 4 degrees C. Serum TRAP 5b activity decreased significantly after 6 months of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) of postmenopausal women compared with the change observed in postmenopausal women receiving placebo (p < 0.0001). Instead, no significant differences were observed between the changes in the placebo and HRT groups in total serum TRAP amount. These results show that serum TRAP 5b is a specific and sensitive marker for monitoring antiresorptive treatment. Instead, total serum TRAP cannot be used for that purpose. These findings may turn out to be a significant improvement in using serum TRAP as a resorption marker.

Acid Phosphatase↗
PubMed1999

Comparison of ultrasound and bone mineral density assessment of the calcaneus with different regions of interest in healthy early menopausal women.

This study investigated the effect of different sized regions of interest (ROIs) on quantitative ultrasound (QUS) variables of the calcaneus. The effect on QUS of using a fixed ROI as opposed to an ROI adjusted for foot length was also assessed. Eighty Caucasian women, aged 50-57 yr (mean 53 +/- 2) who were healthy and within 0. 5-5 yr of the onset of menopause participated in this study. Using the QUS-1(trade mark) Ultrasonometer (Metra Biosystems, Mountain View, CA), we assessed broadband ultrasound attenuation ([BUA] and UBI-4, dB/MHz), the average transit time through the heel ([TTH], mus) and a multiple-factor index (UBI-4T = UBI-4/TTH, dB/[MHz. mus]). The QUS measurement results were calculated from three different sizes of ROI as well as one in a fixed location and one adjusted for foot size. Bone thickness, bone width, bone mineral content ([BMC], g/cm), bone mineral density area ([BMD(a)], g/cm(2)), and bone mineral density volume ([BMD(v)], g/cm(3)) were measured by single-energy photon absorptiometry. Lateral radiography of the foot was used to ensure the QUS scanning location in a subgroup. The results showed that there was a 1.4-5.9% difference in QUS parameters among different ROIs (p = 0.076-0.001). No significant differences between fixed and adjusted location were found regarding the mean values of QUS. The correlation between the fixed and adjusted locations was very strong, although there was a 12-42% unexplained variation. On the other hand, QUS in the size-adjusted ROI increased the correlation with BMC/BMD compared to the fixed QUS assessments. After controlling for body weight and height, a significant correlation between QUS and bone mass variables remained, and in some cases correlations became stronger. Lateral radiography showed that when using a fixed location to scan a large foot, the scanning area might be close to the bone edge, an area of higher BMD and potential acoustic artifacts. When scanning a small foot, the scanning area was confined to the middle of the calcaneus. Our results indicate that bone size has a modest effect on BUA. There is a better correlation with BMD when the measurement region is appropriately located in the calcaneus. This suggests that measurement location based on foot size may improve the accuracy of the measurements, resulting in good diagnostic sensitivity.

Bone Density↗
PubMed1999

Body composition, smoking and physical activity in 75-year-old men and women in three Nordic localities with special reference to diagnosed diseases.

PURPOSE: To describe and compare anthropometric characteristics among populations of 75-year-olds in three Nordic localities and to investigate possible relationships with chronic heart disease (CHD), chronic lung disease (CLD), diabetes mellitus, arthrosis and life-style factors such as smoking and physical activity. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Anthropometric data were measured in 104 men and 191 women in Jyvaskyla (Finland), 196 men and 209 women in Glostrup (Denmark) and in 127 men and 167 women in Goteborg (Sweden). Variables assessed were body height, body weight, BMI, waist/hip ratio, skinfolds from several sites and percent body fat by bioelectrical impedance. The diagnosis of diseases were made by a physician based on the individual's medical history, drugs and medical examination. Physical activity was recorded by self-rating. RESULTS: Men in Goteborg were taller and had a higher body weight while there was no difference in BMI among the men. Among women, those in Goteborg were tallest, while those in Jyvaskyla had the highest body weight, BMI, percent of body fat and waist/hip ratio. Biceps and triceps skinfolds were highest in men from Goteborg, while in women triceps and subscapular skinfolds were highest in those from Jyvaskyla. CHD was most common in those from Jyvaskyla, and women with CHD had a higher body weight, BMI and lean body mass in all three localities. Lean body mass was lower in men and women with CLD and women with CLD were also shorter, with a lower body weight, BMI, and percent body fat. Diabetes mellitus was associated with a higher body weight, BMI, percent body fat and lean body mass in women, but not in men. Both men and women with arthrosis had a higher BMI, while smoking was only associated with CHD in those from Jyvhskyla. In men with CHD the proportion of persons with low physical activity was higher in all three localities. The physical activity was also lower among men with CLD and diabetes mellitus in Goteborg and Glostrup. CONCLUSION: There were anthropometric differences among 75-year-olds in the three Nordic localities. CHD and CLD were associated with various anthropometric variables. These findings may reflect either cause and effect relationships between diseases and anthropometric characteristics or differences in life-style factors influencing morbidity.

Aged↗
PubMed1998

Effort tolerance in elderly women with different physical activity backgrounds.

To study effort tolerance in elderly women with different physical activity backgrounds, 52 physically active (PA) and 42 sedentary control women (CO) aged 66-85 yr were assigned to perform cycle ergometer exercise to their volitional maximum. Oxygen uptake, respiratory exchange ratio (RER), heart rate, work power, and rate pressure product were measured to evaluate the severity of exercise. Plasma C-ANP (C-terminus of the atrial natriuretic peptide prohormone) and plasma N-ANP (N-terminus of the atrial natriuretic peptide prohormone) were analyzed as indicators of cardiac load. Eighty-one percent (N = 42) of the PA and 52% (N = 22) of CO performed the ergometer exercise. The mean peak oxygen uptake was 22.6 and 15.1 mL x kg(-1) x min(-1) among PA and CO, respectively. Twenty-two of the 42 PA and 19 of the 22 CO terminated the ergometer exercise before attaining the objective maximum. The most common reasons for termination were the subject's own wish, abnormal cardiovascular response, or lower limb tiredness. Both C-ANP and N-ANP increased after exercise. The increase in plasma C-ANP correlated significantly with a few physiological variables, whereas comparable associations with N-ANP were not found. It is concluded that inexperience of physical exertion and medical as well as physiological factors limit effort tolerance among elderly women. Differences in the response of C-ANP and N-ANP were found that are suggested to be due to differences in the postsecretory mechanisms between these hormones.

Aged↗
PubMed1997

Effects of strength and endurance training on muscle fibre characteristics in elderly women.

The effects of 18 weeks' intensive strength and endurance training on fibre characteristics of the vastus lateralis muscle were studied in 76- to 78-year-old women. Type I and type IIa fibres constituted over 90% of the cell population and were almost equally represented. No changes were observed in the proportions of the different fibre types. When comparing the baseline and the 18-week measurements within the groups, the strength group showed a mean increase of 34% (P = 0.028) in mean type I fibre area. The frequency histograms showed an increased proportion of larger type I fibres after strength training and a decreased proportion of smaller type IIa fibres after endurance training. In the control subjects, the proportion of smaller type I and type IIa fibres increased during the experimental period. The results indicate that intensive strength training induces type I fibre hypertrophy, whereas the effects of endurance training are less evident. The considerable variation found in the change in muscle fibre cross-sectional areas is also noteworthy.

Aged↗
PubMed1997

Calcaneal bone mineral density predicts fracture occurrence: a five-year follow-up study in elderly people.

A 5-year follow-up study investigated calcaneal bone mineral density (BMD) and changes in BMD in relation to fracture occurrence. The subjects comprised two cohorts born in 1914 and 1910 living in the city of Jyväskylä in central Finland. One hundred and three men (82%) and 188 women (73%), aged 75, and 57 men (74%) and 136 women (65%), aged 80, of the eligible population participated in the baseline bone measurements. The follow-up bone measurements were obtained for 59 men (68%) and 119 women (66%), aged 80 years, and for 21 men (53%) and 61 women (48%), aged 85 years. During the follow-up period, 8 men and 36 women from the younger and 11 men and 24 women from the older cohort sustained at least one fracture. When the baseline levels of BMD were related to fracture occurrence, the results clearly showed that with increased BMD values the probability of fracture decreased. Where men and women had similar BMD values, they also had a similar fracture probability. Except for one woman in the older cohort, none of those who had initial BMD values more than 1 standard deviation above the mean for their age developed a fracture during the follow-up period. The mean annual decrease in BMD was greater in the women (2.5-2.7%) than in the men (0.8-1.0%). The BMD change tended to associate with fracture occurrence only in the 75-year-old women (p = 0.075). The results suggest that calcaneus BMD can be used as a predictor of fracture occurrence in 75- to 80-year-old men and women. However, associating fractures with the change in BMD was difficult due to the limited number of survivors and initial differences in BMD values.

Aged↗
PubMed1997

Changes in physical characteristics and body composition during 5-year follow-up in 75- and 80-year-old men and women.

A five-year longitudinal study was conducted to examine the changes observed in the physical characteristics and body composition assessed by bioimpedance in 75- and 80-year-old men and women. During the follow-up, there was a systematic decline in body height in all groups studied, the mean changes being somewhat higher in women (1.3-1.6 cm) than in men (0.9-1.1 cm). Body weight and lean body mass declined in women in both age groups and in men in the younger group, whereas no significant changes were observed in the 80-year-old men. The relative proportion of body fat did not change with increasing age in any of the groups studied. Among 80-year-olds, the men participating in the follow-up showed some tendency to have more fat in the baseline than those who subsequently died, while the corresponding group of women tended to be somewhat taller than the other drop-outs. The results support the earlier observations on the age-related decrease in body height, and in the case of women, also on reduced body weight and lean body mass with old age.

Aged↗
PubMed1996

Quantitative ultrasonography of muscle: detection of adaptations to training in elderly women.

OBJECTIVE: To develop quantitative ultrasonography in studying the adaptation of quadriceps muscle mass and composition to short-term physical training and rehabilitation in elderly women. DESIGN: Randomized control trial. SETTING: Measurements in a research laboratory and training in a fitness center and sports hall. PARTICIPANTS: Forty-two women, aged 76 to 78 years, with no indications against intensive physical exercise, randomly assigned to strength (n = 16), endurance (n = 15), and control (n = 11) groups. Twelve subjects from the strength, 12 from the endurance, and 11 from the control group completed the study. INTERVENTION: Supervised physical training 3 times a week for 18 weeks. Strength training: 3 to 4 sets of 8 to 10 repetitions with a load of 60% to 75% of the subjects' 1-repetition maximum. Endurance training: track walking and step aerobics at an intensity of 50% to 80% of maximum heart-rate reserve. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Ultrasonographic measurements of the quadriceps cross-sectional area (CSA), thickness, and weighted mean grey shades of vastus lateralis (MGSVL) and femur (MGSF). RESULTS: No significant interaction of group by time was observed in any of the outcome measures. The changes observed in CSA in the strength group correlated with those measured by computed tomography reported earlier. MGSVL decreased and MGSF increased in the strength group, suggesting a decreased proportion of fat in the muscle. CONCLUSIONS: Quantitative ultrasonography is a potentially useful tool for studying skeletal muscle in elderly women. The precision and accuracy of the method, however, should be improved to reveal the adaptation of aging muscles to short-term physical training and rehabilitation programs.

Adaptation, Physiological↗
PubMed1996

Effects of strength and endurance training on isometric muscle strength and walking speed in elderly women.

The separate effects of 18 weeks of intensive strength and endurance training on isometric knee extension (KE) and flexion (KF) strength and walking speed were studied in 76- to 78- year-old women. Maximal voluntary isometric force for both KE and KF was measured in a sitting position on a custom-made dynamometer chair at a knee angle of 60 degrees from full extension. Maximal walking speed was measured over a distance of 10 m. The endurance-trained women increased KE torque and KE torque/body mass after the first 9 weeks of training when compared with the controls. when comparing the baseline, 9 week and 18 week measurements within the groups separately, both the endurance- and strength-training groups increased KE torque, KE torque/body mass and walking speed. Individual changes in KE torque/body mass before and after 18 weeks of training averaged 19.1% in the strength group, 30.9% in the endurance group and 2.0% in the controls. This study indicates that in elderly women the effects of physical training on muscle strength and walking speed occur after endurance as well as strength training. The considerable interindividual variation in change of muscle performance is also worth noticing.

Aged↗
PubMed1996

Serum and urine markers of type I collagen metabolism in elderly women with high and low bone mineral density.

The serum markers of bone formation (carboxy-terminal propeptide of type I collagen, PICP) and resorption (pyridinoline cross-links containing telopeptide of type I collagen, ICTP), as well as urinary resorption markers, pyridinoline (Pyr) and deoxypyridinoline (Dpyr), were studied in 78-year-old women with high (n = 18) and low (n = 17) bone mineral density (BMD) measured from the calcaneus and tibia. The low-BMD group had higher values for PICP (P = 0 center dot 025), Pyr (P = 0 center dot 001) and Dpyr (P < 0 center dot 001) than the high-BMD group. No inverse relationship between these markers and BMD was, however, observed within the study groups. ICTP, Pyr and Dpyr correlated with each other in both groups and with PICP in the high-BMD group. Higher levels of both the formation and resorption markers of type I collagen suggest an increased rate of bone turnover and remodelling in osteopenic elderly women.

Aged↗
PubMed1995

Estimation of structural and geometrical properties of cortical bone by computerized tomography in 78-year-old women.

The structural and geometrical properties of the tibia shaft were investigated at two sections by means of computerized tomography (CT) in 78-year-old women with high (n = 19) and low (n = 17) calcaneal bone mineral density (BMD, g/cm3) previously measured by 125I-photon absorption. The high BMD group had a 20-21% higher tibial BMD and 9-12% higher bone cross-sectional area than was observed in the low BMD group. The distribution of bone mass indicated that the low BMD group had lost bone mainly from the endosteal surface, especially in the anterior part of the tibia. However, both groups had a similar basic pattern of mass distribution at the measured sections. The high BMD group had higher moments of inertia at the upper section than the low BMD group. The differences between the groups were more pronounced when only the high density areas were included. At the lower section, the differences between the groups also appeared significant at the high density levels. There were no group differences in the area moments of inertia. The results suggest that the true distribution of bone mass should be taken into account in determining the moments of inertia. In the tibia, determination of the cross-sectional mass distribution of bone combined with BMD should have a better discriminatory capability than BMD only in studying bone strength and fracture risk.

Absorptiometry, Photon↗