A recent study from the Garvan Institute of Medical Research highlights that a patient’s difficulty in walking just one kilometre can provide valuable insights into their bone strength. The research examined over 267,000 individuals aged 45 and above in New South Wales, focusing on their walking capabilities and any discomfort experienced over various distances.
Participants were monitored for five years to track any fractures that occurred during the study. Findings revealed that 20% of participants reported difficulty walking this distance, correlating with a heightened risk of fractures. Specifically, women who struggled significantly to walk one kilometre faced a 60% increased likelihood of sustaining a fracture, while men experienced over a 100% rise in risk under similar circumstances.
The study noted that approximately 60% of all recorded fractures were linked to some degree of walking difficulties. Professor Jacqueline Center, head of Garvan’s Clinical Studies and Epidemiology Lab, emphasised that while the research doesn’t establish a direct cause-and-effect relationship between walking difficulties and fractures, it suggests underlying health issues that affect mobility could elevate fracture risks.
Health professionals encourage anyone facing challenges in walking a kilometre to consult their GP for a bone health assessment.