Comparison of Physical Activity Levels and Quality of Life of Postmenoposal Women with and Without Osteoporosis

Objective: Osteoporosis is an important public health problem characterized by the deterioration of the microarchitecture of bone tissue and low bone mineral density. In our study, we compared the physical activity levels and quality of life of postmenopausal women with and without osteoporosis. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted with 104 postmenopausal women (52 osteoporosis-52 non-osteoporosis). Personal characteristics data form, International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ), Short Form and Quality of Life Questionnaire of The European Foundation for Osteoporosis (QUALEFFO-41) were used for evaluation. Results: QUALEFFO-41 mobility, QUALEFFO-41 mental functions, and QUALEFFO-41 total scores of individuals with osteoporosis were found to be significantly higher than individuals without a diagnosis of osteoporosis (p=0.046, p=0.001, p=0.024, respectively). Physical activity levels of individuals with and without a diagnosis of osteoporosis were found to be similar according to the IPAQ classification (p>0.05). There was a weak negative correlation between the IPAQ total scores and the QUALEFFO-41 total scores of individuals with osteoporosis (p=0.007). Conclusion: The quality of life of postmenopausal women with osteoporosis is low, and the increase in physical activity level is associated with a better quality of life. Increasing the level of physical activity in postmenopausal women with osteoporosis may have a positive effect on improving the quality of life.