Evaluation of Hand Function and Bone Status in Premenopausal Versus Postmenopausal Women

Abstract

Introduction: Women experience a decline in physical function after menopause. In this study, we aimed to assess the relationshipbetween hand function, grip strength, and bone status in premenopausal versus postmenopausal women.Methods: Eighty-one premenopausal and 81 postmenopausal women aged 35–65 years who did not have metabolic, endocrine,and neuromuscular problems were evaluated. Grip strength (of dominant hand) was measured using Jamar handhelddynamometer. Grip ability test (GAT) was used to evaluate the hand function. Radius bone mineral density and speedof sound (SOS) were measured using quantitative ultrasonography (Sunlight Omnisense 7000S/8000S).Results: Postmenopausal women had significantly lower radius T-scores and SOS values, weaker grip strength, and higherGAT scores than premenopausal women. There was a weak negative correlation between GAT scores, radius T-scores, andSOS values and a moderate negative correlation between GAT scores and grip strength in both premenopausal and postmenopausalwomen. There was a weak positive correlation between grip strength, radius T- and Z-scores, and SOS values inboth premenopausal and postmenopausal women (p<0.05).Discussion and Conclusion: Premenopausal women had a better hand function and higher grip strength, radius T- and Zscores,and SOS values than postmenopausal women.