Bone mineral density in adults with Down syndrome: a cross‐sectional study in a Brazilian sample

Abstract

AbstractBackgroundWe aim to investigate the relationship between bone mass in a sample of Brazilian individuals with DS and handgrip strength, body mass index (BMI) and physical exercise.MethodsDual‐energy X‐ray emission densitometry analysis of bone mass in 26 individuals with DS (8 men and 18 women with a mean age of 30.7 ± 10.3 years) was conducted. Additionally, weight and height were measured to determine BMI, palmar grip strength was measured using a Jammar dynamometer®, and physical activity was classified using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ).ResultsIn this sample, 2/15 (13.3%) individuals with age between 18 to 29 years had low BMD in the spine; 2/8 (25%) of those with age between 30 and 39 years also had low BMD in the spine and 2/3 (66.6%) with age ≥40 had low BMD in the femur. There were significant correlations between palmar grip strength and Z femoral neck score in women (P = 0.02) and between BMI and Z femoral neck score in men (P = 0.04). All other correlations lacked statistical significance (P > 0.05).ConclusionsBrazilian patients with DS showed a high prevalence of low bone mass. Traditional factors such as muscle strength, BMI and physical activity appear to have little effect on bone mineral density in this population.