Calcaneal ultrasound measurements are determined by age and physical activity. Studies in two Swedish random population samples.

• AIM: To present reference values and correlations with body composition, blood variables and lifestyle factors. SUBJECTS: Two random population samples from Göteborg, Sweden, one comprising 184 men and 455 women aged 25-64 years (MONICA) and the other 860 women aged 55-82 years (BEDA) were studied. METHODS: Calcaneal ultrasound measurement (LUNAR Achilles) and bioimpedance were measured. Smoking habits, coffee consumption, physical activity, psychological stress, education and marital status, as well as blood lipids, blood pressure, and fractures were studied. RESULTS: Broadband ultrasound attenuation and stiffness were higher in men than in women (P < 0. 001), but speed of sound did not differ between sexes. Speed of sound, broadband ultrasound attenuation and stiffness decreased with age (P < 0.001). In both sexes speed of sound, broadband ultrasound attenuation and stiffness correlated positively to body size variables, and negatively with smoking in women after adjustment for age. Speed of sound, broadband ultrasound attenuation and stiffness were positively related to physical activity in both sexes, and these relationships were the only ones that remained in multivariate analyses in addition to age (negative). Osteoporotic fractures increased with age. Speed of sound, broadband ultrasound attenuation and stiffness were lower amongst women with osteoporotic fractures. CONCLUSION: Speed of sound, broadband ultrasound attenuation and stiffness decreased with age and increased with physical activity, but body weight and height were not correlated in multivariate analyses. Osteoporotic fractures increased with age and were associated with lower calcaneal ultrasound values.

Nyckelord

Adult

Age Factors

Aged

Aged

80 and over

Aging

physiology

Body Composition

Body Height

Body Weight

Calcaneus

physiology

physiopathology

ultrasonography

Exertion

physiology

Female

Fractures

Bone

etiology

ultrasonography

Humans

Life Style

Male

Middle Aged

Multivariate Analysis

Osteoporosis

complications

physiopathology

ultrasonography

Risk Factors

Sweden

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