The role of exercise in the management of osteoporosis in postmenopausal women

Abstract

Osteoporosis is a disease characterized by low bone mass and microarchitectural deterioration of bone tissue leading to enhanced bone fragility and a consequent increase in fracture risk. The most important modifiable risk factors for osteoporosis are: excess alcohol, vitamin D deficiency, tobacco smoking, physical inactivity.
The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effects of exercise training on bone mineral density in the postmenopausal women.
Materials and methods: 26 postmenopausal women were recruited for this study. The subjects were between 52 and 58 years. The bone mineral density (BMD) were measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). Postmenopausal women heave exercised regularly: walking or running for 150 min/ week, 12 months.
Results: Baseline characteristics. At baseline, the mean (± SD) T-score on hip was 2.12 ± 0.26, and on lumbar spine was 2.02 ± 0.16. At the end of 12 months, the mean T-score was improved nonsignificant on hip and lumbar spine.
Discussion: Benefits of regular exercise and everday physical activity on bone mass are greatest during childhoon and adolescent years, peak bone mass can increase to the greast extent. The net gain of BMD after exercise interventions among older people is modest, but it is not clear whether positive effects can be maintained over a longer time.
Conclusion: Exercise with its anabolic effect, may stop or reverse osteoporosis. Further studies are needed to determine the threshold exercise prescription that will produce significant increases in bone mass.

Key words:

postmenopausal women, exercise, bone mineral density.