Beneficial effects of denosumab on muscle performance in patients with low BMD: a retrospective, propensity score-matched study

Summary This study examined the effects of denosumab compared to bisphosphonates and vitamin D alone on muscle performance in patients with low BMD. While grip force improved in both the denosumab and bisphosphonate group, a superior increase in chair rising test force was observed in the denosumab group. Introduction The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of the anti-resorptive agent denosumab (Dmab) on upper and lower limb muscle performance compared to bisphosphonate (BP) treatment and vitamin D supplementation alone (i.e., basic therapy) in patients with low BMD. Methods This retrospective, propensity score-matched (sex, age, BMI, follow-up time) cohort study included 150 osteopenic or osteoporotic patients receiving basic ( n = 60), BP ( n = 30) or Dmab ( n = 60) therapy. All patients underwent a musculoskeletal assessment at baseline and follow-up, including DXA, laboratory bone metabolism parameters, grip force, and chair rising test mechanography. Mean annual percentage changes were calculated and compared between study groups. Results After a mean follow-up period of 17.6 ± 9.0 months, a significantly higher increase in grip force in both the Dmab ( p < 0.001) and BP group ( p = 0.001) compared to the vitamin D group was observed (vitamin D = − 6.1 ± 10.2%; BP = + 0.8 ± 8.2%; Dmab = + 5.1 ± 25.5%). The Dmab group showed a significantly higher increase in chair rising test force compared to the BP group (vitamin D = + 5.8 ± 12.7%; BP = + 0.9 ± 8.6%; Dmab = + 8.2 ± 14.4%; Dmab vs. BP p = 0.03). Neither the changes in BMD nor in bone metabolic parameters were associated with changes in muscle performance. Conclusion Dmab resulted in increased muscle strength in the upper and lower limbs, indicating systemic rather than site-specific effects as compared to BP. Based on these findings, Dmab might be favored over other osteoporosis treatments in patients with low BMD and poor muscle strength.