Can vigorous exercise play a role in osteoporosis prevention? A review

Abstract

Part of the reduction in bone density observed in older people is due to disuse rather than the aging process itself. While some mechanical stress is needed to maintain optimal bone density, it is not clear just which types of exercise are most valuable or whether appropriate exercise might reduce the need for estrogen therapy in postmenopausal women. Cross-sectional studies. Physical activity, aerobic fitness, and strength have all been correlated with bone density. Young people who use a specific part of the body in vigorous exercise exhibit enhanced bone density in that part of the body, but not necessarily in other regions. Older people who have been active for many years seem to exhibit generally enhanced bone density. Prospective studies. Most regimens which used vigorous aerobic and strength training enhanced bone density, but walking is relatively ineffective for prevention of postmenopausal bone loss. Most studies using specific bone-loading exercise have shown substantial increases in bone density at the specific sites loaded. Elderly people seem capable of responding favorably to vigorous exercise. No direct comparisons of exercise and estrogen therapy have been reported. Excessive exercise. Extremely high volumes of exercise may overwhelm a person's adaptive capacity, leading to stress fractures. For example, young women athletes who suffer from menstrual dysfunction exhibit reduced bone density and musculoskeletal disorders. Clinical implication. Although the evidence is far from conclusive, an exercise regimen should probably include vigorous total body exercise, including strength and aerobic training.

Effect of weight-bearing activities on bone mineral density in spinal cord injured patients during the period of the first two years

“…Immobilization by SCI causes general bone loss, which ranges from 30 to 50%. 2,[8][9][10][11] The results of our study confirm that there is a significant decrease of bone mass in patients after SCI, especially rapid in lower extremities. BieringFSorensen et al reported 50% BMD decrease in paralyzed extremities during 3 years longitudinal study.…”

“…8 A number of studies have been conducted on weightbearing effects on bone mass at different skeletal sites. [9][10][11][12][13][14] Some studies 15,16 have shown the influence of passive weight-bearing on BMD, but these findings were not confirmed by other researchers. [17][18][19][20] The aim of the study was to assess bone loss in persons with SCI and its dependence on weight-bearing activity (passive standing) during the first 2 years post injury.…”

Osteoporosis among ancient Egyptians

“…It is suggested that physical activity may explain some observations on BMD and bone structure, particularly in males (Agarwal, 2001). Numerous studies have reported the association between physical activity and bone gain (Gutin & Kasper, 1992;Recker et al, 1992;Turner et al, 1992). Greater bone density in weightlifters, compared with control subjects, has been shown by Davee et al (1990).…”

Osteoporosis awareness among Indian women

“…Calcium and vitamin D supplements appear to be effective in preventing bone loss in women, particularly in postmenopausal and with low habitual Ca intake (<400mg/day). [5][6][7] Despite being a common problem, majority of the women are unaware of it. Awareness varies widely according to the level of education.…”