Maximal Deadlift Strength and Bone Mass in a Group of Healthy Elderly Men

The purpose of the current study was to explore the relationship between whole body bone mineral content (WB BMC) and maximal deadlift strength in a group of elderly men. 32 healthy elderly men whose ages range between 60 and 85 years participated in our study. Weight and height were measured, and body mass index was calculated. WB BMC was evaluated by dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA). One-repetition maximum (1-RM) deadlift was directly determined. 1-RM deadlift was positively correlated to WB BMC (r = 0.59; p < 0.001) while age was negatively correlated to WB BMC (r = 0.40; p < 0.05). The positive correlation between WB BMC and 1-RM deadlift remained significant after controlling for age using a multiple linear regression analysis. In conclusion, the current study suggests that maximal deadlift strength is an independent determinant of bone mass in elderly men.