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Exercise frequency and calcium intake predict 4-year bone changes in postmenopausal women
Ellen C Cussler1, Scott B Going, Linda B Houtkooper
1Department of Physiology, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA.
Summary
Strength training significantly boosts bone mineral density (BMD) in postmenopausal women. Exercise frequency positively impacts BMD, especially for hormone therapy users, while calcium intake benefits non-users.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology and Exercise Science
- Bone Metabolism and Osteoporosis Research
Background:
- Postmenopausal osteoporosis is a significant health concern, necessitating effective prevention strategies.
- Hormone therapy (HT) is commonly used but carries potential health risks, prompting interest in non-pharmacological interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between exercise frequency and calcium intake (CI) with bone mineral density (BMD) changes over 4 years.
- To analyze these associations in postmenopausal women undergoing progressive strength training, considering hormone therapy use.
Main Methods:
- 167 sedentary, calcium-supplemented postmenopausal women (aged 56.1±4.5 years) were randomized to strength training or a control group.
- Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) measured BMD annually over 4 years.
- Exercise frequency (ExFreq) and total calcium intake (CI) were assessed; regression models analyzed their relationship with BMD changes.
Main Results:
- Higher exercise frequency (ExFreq) was significantly associated with increased BMD in the femur trochanter, neck, lumbar spine, and total body.
- Among hormone therapy (HT) users, increased ExFreq correlated with greater BMD gains.
- Among non-HT users, higher calcium intake (CI) was positively associated with BMD increases at the femur trochanter and neck.
Conclusions:
- Progressive strength training is effective for maintaining and improving BMD in postmenopausal women, supporting its role in osteoporosis prevention.
- Exercise frequency is a key factor for BMD benefits, particularly beneficial for HT users.
- Calcium intake is crucial for BMD maintenance in postmenopausal women not using HT, offering a vital alternative given HT risks.