Women with Disabilities at Higher Risk for Fracture

If you have a disability that causes you to be sedentary or sitting most of the time, you may be at risk for osteopenia/osteoporosis, which can cause a bone fracture.  The current studies on osteopenia (decreased calcium in bones) and osteoporosis (reduction of calcium in bone) have not been geared toward studying bone mineral density (BMD) in the disabled community.  

A 2005 study chose their participants from attendees at a health fair. The vast majority were women suffering from multiple sclerosis, spina bifida, spinal cord injury, and polio. Each participant was screened for risk factors including: types of medication, history of smoking, caffeine consumption, small or thin body frame, and weight-bearing exercise (walking). The measures used were bone density scans (PIXI and DXA) and self-reporting. Lack of exercise and use of one or more medications including steroids was found to accelerate bone loss.

The authors found a higher incidence of BMD in the disabled community. In part this may be attributed to the inability to build bone at an early age when sedentary. Although most people in the United States believe they get enough calcium, national data suggest otherwise. Women with disabilities intake even less than what is reported on national data.

A quarter of the participants said they had BMD testing, and a third of the participants said it had been suggested, but they had not gotten the testing done. Lack of motivation for the testing may be due to muscle weakness, contractures, or spasticity during the testing. The authors suggest women with disabilities should try to participate in weight-bearing activities. They should be encouraged to undergo testing for osteoporosis whether they are premenopausal or postmenopausal.

For more information: “Osteoporosis risk and low bone mineral density in women with physical disabilities,” S. Smeltzer, RN; V. Zimmerman, RN, MS; T. Capriotti, RN, MSN; Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, volume 86, issue 3, p. 582-586, March 2005.