News and Notes

Abstract

By using the meta-analytic approach, the purpose of this study was to examine the effects of exercise on regional bone mineral density in postmenopausal women. A total of 11 randomized trials yielding 40 outcome measures and a total of 719 subjects (370 exercise, 349 nonexercise) met the criteria for inclusion: (1) randomized trials; (2) exercise as a primary intervention in postmenopausal women; (3) changes in regional bone mineral density reported; (4) comparative nonexercise group included; (5) studies published in English-language journals between January 1975 and December 1995. Across all designs and categories, treatment effect changes in bone density, weighted by sample size, ranged from -17.10 to 17.30% (mean, 0.27%; 95% confidence interval, 0.16-0.37%). When analyzed separately, sample weighted decreases of approximately -0.51 and -0.86% were found for exercise and nonexercise groups, respectively. Larger effects were observed when groups that did not measure bone density specific to the site loaded and groups that received some type of supplementation (calcium or hormone replacement therapy) were deleted from the model (mean change, 0.76%; 95% confidence interval, 0.6-0.93). Both aerobic and strength training enhanced regional bone mineral density (mean change: aerobic, 1.62% and 95% confidence interval, 1.12-2.12; strength, 0.65% and 95% confidence interval, 0.48-0.83). In conclusion, meta-analytic review of included studies suggests that exercise may slow the rate of bone loss in postmenopausal women. However, it is premature to form strong conclusions regarding the effects of exercise on regional bone mineral density in postmenopausal women. A need exists for additional, well designed studies on this topic before a recommendation can be made regarding the efficacy of exercise as a nonpharmacologic therapy for maintaining and/or increasing regional bone mineral density in postmenopausal women.

Modern Rehabilitation in Osteoporosis, Falls, and Fractures

“…In postmenopausal individuals, results of physical activity studies on the positive association of physical activity with bone status are conflicting 23,24. However, it is clear that physical activity is vital in adults, because it reduces the rate of bone loss during the perimenopausal period and decelerates bone loss associated with aging 25,26. In the design of an exercise program to increase bone mass, we need to keep in mind the elements of specificity, overload, reversibility, initial values, and diminishing returns described by Drinkwater 27.…”

Association of physical exercise and calcium intake with bone mass measured by quantitative ultrasound

“…Especially in postmenopausal individuals, the results of studies on the positive association of physical activity with bone status are conflicting [8,9]. However, it is clear that physical activity is vital in adults [10,11] because it reduces the rate of bone loss during the peri-menopausal period, and decelerates bone loss associated with aging [8-12]. Studies on the association of exercise plus calcium intake and bone mass have also yielded contradictory results, due in part to differences in methodology and/or study design [13,14].…”

The effects of trunk stabilization exercise on bone density after menopause

“…On the other hand, Wolf’s 21 ) meta-analysis showed that exercise should have a high intensity to have the change of bone density. Also, Kelley’s 22 ) meta-analysis showed that exercise of low intensity can’t make change of bone density. But, recently meta analysis performed by Tanaka et al 21 ) made an interesting offer that Asian don’t need to do exercise of high intensity than Westerner.…”