Effect of Osteoporosis on Energy Expenditure of Resting and Daily Activities in Postmenopausal Women

Objective: The purpose of our study was to determine the effect of osteoporosis on energy expenditure and daily activities of postmenopausal women. Materials and Methods: Eighteen recently diagnosed postmenopausal osteoporotic women without any fractures participated in this study. They were matched for age and body mass index with 19 postmenopausal nonosteoporotic women. Energy expenditure of postmenopausal women was measured using an indirect calorimetry during resting, sitting, standing and walking at speeds of 50 m/min and 70 m/min. Quality of life of subjects was evaluated with the short form-36 (SF-36) questionnaire. Results: There were no significant differences between groups for V02 (ml/min) during resting, sitting, standing, and walking at speeds of 50 m/min and 70 m/min. Bone mineral density (BMD) of the proximal femur was correlated with resting energy expenditure (REE) (r=0.49, p= 0.03) in postmenopausal osteoporotic women. The SF-36 bodily pain subscale score was significantly higher in postmenopausal osteoporotic women (74.33 +/- 20.86) than in nonosteoporotic women (58.10 +/- 17.09). The power of the study for detecting the differences was calculated as 71%. Conclusion: The results seem to indicate that there is a relationship between BMD and REE in postmenopausal osteoporotic women. Although pain scores were higher in osteoporotic women, it was detected that they did not affect the energy expenditure of resting and at different physical activity levels. While determining the caloric intake of osteoporotic women and energy expenditure estimation in various daily physical activities, it can be taken into account that energy expenditure of osteoporotic women is similar to nonosteoporotic women. Turk J Phys Med Rehab 2010;56:111-5.