title: SIDE TO SIDE DIFFERENCES BETWEEN DOMINANT AND NON-DOMINANT ARM'S BONE DENSITY AND ISOMETRIC HANDGRIP STRENGTH IN MALES AND FEMALES AGED 40-65 YEARS OLD.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  This observational, cross-sectional study, investigates and compares the differences of BMD, T-score, Z-score and isometric strength between dominant (D) versus non-dominant (ND) arms of 162 subjects aged 40-65 in a developing, low income country (Kosova).
  
  
  METHODS
  Bone Mineral Density (BMD), T-score and Z-score at distal forearm regions of both arms (measured by DXA scan), together with the Handgrip Isometric Strength (HIS) (by handgrip) were evaluated in a total subjects (53 Males and 109 Females). Additionally, General Healthcare Status Questionnaire together with self-administrated International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) were filled.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Significant differences (p<0.05) between arms were found in BMD, T-score, and Z-score in total subjects and in females, whereas not significant differences (p>0.05) were observed in Males BMD comparing to significantly higher results (p<0.05) in T-score and Z-score. Significant differences (p<0.05) were also found in total subjects and in females handgrip, but not (p>0.05) in males. When comparing the total subject's BMD, T-score, Z-score and Handgrip based on the PA levels (1 to 3 according to IPAQ scoring) no significant differences (p>0.05) were found between PA1, as well as PA3 whereas significantly differences (p<0.05) were found in D arms of PA2 level.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The study analyses side-to-side differences in bone density and muscular force between D and ND arms amongst a population which is frequently exposed to diagnostic screenings for age related osteomuscular conditions (aged 40-60), and demonstrates that these differences should be in consideration amongst clinicians, but not in the way it is done right now.
authors.affiliation: Faculty of Technical Medical Sciences, Medical University of Tirana, Tirana, Albania.
authors.forename: Ermira
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Krasniqi
authors.affiliation: Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Tirana, Tirana, Albania.
authors.forename: Mynyr
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Koni
authors.affiliation: Faculty of Technical Medical Sciences, Medical University of Tirana, Tirana, Albania; Radiology Department, University Clinical Center of Kosova, Prishtina, Kosovo.
authors.forename: Antigona
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Kabashi
authors.affiliation: Department of Sport Sciences, University College, Prishtina, Kosovo.
authors.forename: Abedin
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Bahtiri
authors.affiliation: University Clinical Stomatological Center of Kosova, Prishtina, Kosovo.
authors.forename: Selda
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Gjeli
authors.affiliation: Faculty of Natural/Life Sciences, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.
authors.forename: Arben
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Boshnjaku
keywords: Bone Density; DXA scan; Muscular Force; Physical Activity