Physical performance and risk of hip fractures in older men

Peggy Mannen Cawthon, Robin L. Fullman, Lynn Marshall, Dawn C. Mackey, Howard A. Fink, Jane A. Cauley, Steven R. Cummings, Eric S. Orwoll, Kristine E. Ensrud

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

132 Scopus citations

Abstract

The aim of these analyses was to describe the association between physical performance and risk of hip fractures in older men. Performance on five physical function exams (leg power, grip strength, usual walking pace, narrow walk balance test, and five repeated chair stands) was assessed in 5902 men ≥65 yr of age. Performance (time to complete or strength) was analyzed as quartiles, with an additional category for unable to complete the measure, in proportional hazards models. Follow-up averaged 5.3 yr; 77 incident hip fractures were confirmed by physician review of radiology reports. Poor physical performance was associated with an increased risk of hip fracture. In particular, repeated chair stand performance was strongly related to hip fracture risk. Men unable to complete this exam were much more likely to experience a hip fracture than men in the fastest quartile of this test (multivariate hazard ratio [MHR]: 8.15; 95% CI: 2.65, 25.03). Men with the worst performance (weakest/slowest quartile or unable) on at least three exams had an increased risk of hip fracture compared with men with higher functioning (MHR: 3.14, 95% CI: 1.46, 6.73). Nearly two thirds of the hip fractures (N = 49, 64%) occurred in men with poor performance on at least three exams. Poor physical function is independently associated with an increased risk of hip fracture in older men. The repeated chair stands exam should be considered in clinical settings for evaluation of hip fracture risk. Concurrent poor performance on multiple physical function exams is associated with an increased risk of hip fractures.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)1037-1044
Number of pages8
JournalJournal of Bone and Mineral Research
Volume23
Issue number7
DOIs
StatePublished - Jul 2008

Keywords

  • Epidemiology
  • Hip fracture
  • Physical performance
  • Strength
  • Walking

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism
  • Orthopedics and Sports Medicine

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