Evaluation of entheseal changes in a modern identified skeletal collection from Inden (Germany)

Abstract

The present study aims to evaluate the frequency of entheseal changes (EC) in a modern skeletal collection from the rural village of Inden, Germany (late 19th–early 20th century), in order to identify general levels of physical activity. The sample is comprised of 66 individuals (51 males and 15 females), whose data on sex, age, and occupation were retrieved from church records. Fourteen fibrous and nineteen fibrocartilaginous entheses of upper and lower limbs were scored in a blind test using two different methods. Grades were converted into binary data, and frequencies of EC were analyzed in each enthesis and in functional complexes by applying a Fisher exact test and a logistic regression. Results showed a higher prevalence for more entheses among female individuals. This does not agree with previous research, but it could be related to the small sample size in this study. More statistically, significant values were found for the relationship between EC and age, which was the main predictor for the presence of EC. However, the percentage of variability that it is explained by age is lower than that found by other studies of European identified collections. This would suggest an interaction with other variables. Regarding occupation, data did not show any clear pattern for the upper limb, whereas for the lower limb, higher frequencies were found for non-manual workers. Significant values were only found for EC in two entheses of the forearm within the group of manual workers, and one of the feet for non-manual workers. As with other identified collections, this study was unable to identify distinctive patterns of EC among occupations. This may be due to a combination of different physical activities engaged in or as a result of change of occupation during an individual's lifetime.