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Selected Works of Beth Hands
Article
Peripheral quantitative computed tomography (pQCT) reveals low bone mineral density in adolescents with motor difficulties
Osteoporosis International (2015)
  • Beth Hands, The University of Notre Dame Australia
  • Paola chivers, The University of Notre Dame Australia
  • Fleur McIntyre, The University of Notre Dame Australia
  • Francisco Bervenotti Filho, The University of Notre Dame Australia
  • Tanya Blee, The University of Notre Dame Australia
  • Aris Siafarikas, The University of Notre Dame Australia
  • Brendan Beeson, Princess Margaret Hospital
  • Fiona Bettenay, Princess Margaret Hospital
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Abstract
Summary: This is the first reported study to describe local
bone mineral density, assess parameters of fracture risk and
report history of fractures in adolescents with motor difficulties.
Motor difficulties evidenced by poor coordination in adolescence
should be considered a new risk factor for belowaverage
bone strength and structure and fracture risk.
Introduction: Adolescents with motor difficulties are
characterised by poor coordination and low levels of physical
activity and fitness. It is possible these deficits translate into
below-average bone strength and structure. The objectives of
this study were to describe local bone mineral density (BMD),
assess parameters of fracture risk (stress–strain index, SSI)
and report history of fractures in this group.
Methods: Thirty-three adolescents (13 females), mean age of
14.3 (SD=1.5) years, with motor difficulties underwent peripheral
quantitative computed tomography (pQCT) measurements
at proximal (66 %) and distal (4 %) sites of the nondominant
radius (R4 and R66) and tibia (T4 and T66). One
sample t test was used to compare Z-scores for total BMD,
trabecular density, cortical density and stress strain index (SSI)
against standardized norms.
Results: Significant differences were present at R4 total density
mean Z-score=−0.85 (SD=0.7, p<0.001), R66 cortical
density mean Z-score=−0.74 (SD=1.97, p=0.038), R66 SSI
mean Z-score=−1.00 (SD=1.08, p<0.001) and T66 SSI mean
Z-score=−0.70 (SD=1.15, p<0.001). There was a higher incidence
of fractures (26.9 %) compared to the normal population
(3–9 %).
Conclusions: Motor difficulties in adolescence should be considered
a risk factor for below-average bone strength and
structure and fracture risk. Strategies are needed to improve
bone health in this high-risk-group.
Disciplines
Publication Date
2015
DOI
10.1007/s00198-015-3071-8
Citation Information
Hands, B., Chivers, P., McIntyre, F., et al. (2015). Peripheral quantitative computed tomography (pQCT) reveals low bone mineral density in adolescents with motor difficulties. Osteoporosis International, 26(6), 1809-1818. DOI: 10.1007/s00198-015-3071-8