Abstract:

Objective To investigate the distribution of bone strength index of adult Tibetans in Tibet and analyze the correlation between of their body composition and incidence of bone mass abnormal. Methods The bone strength of right calcaneus, T score and body composition of 560 Tibetans in Shigatse, Tibet by using an ultrasonic bone mineral density meter and bioelectric impedance technique. Binary LogisticRegression was used to test the relationship of incidence of bone mass abnormal and body composition. Results The bone mass index of the male and female participants reached the maximum at their 18-30 years old, and then declined with aging. The incidence of osteoporosis among male and female participants ≥50 years old were 7.6% and 11.7%respectively. Age（B=0.046，OR=1.047，P<0.01）and visceral fat mass（B=0.452，OR=1.572，P<0.05）were risk factors of incidence of bone mass abnormal whereas the subcutaneous fat mass(B=-0.181，OR=0.835，P<0.01)and muscle mass (B=-0.055，OR=0.947，P<0.05)were protective factors. Conclusion The incidence of osteoporosis among Tibet Tibetans ≥50 years old are lower than other nationalities of China in the same age. The participants with high visceral fat mass while low subcutaneous fat mass and muscle mass are more likely to suffer from osteoporosis.

Key words: Tibet, Tibetan, Osteoporosis, Bone mass, Body composition, Bioelectric impedance technique, Adult