Effect of specific exercise training on bone mineral density in women with postmenopausal osteopenia or osteoporosis

To analyse the effect of a specific program of weight training exercise with closed kinetic chain in bone mineral density in postmenopausal women with osteopenia or osteoporosis.

A total of 59 postmenopausal women with osteoporosis or osteopenia were included in this prospective study. Subjects were divided into two groups: the study group (SG, n = 30; 57.5 + or - 5.1 years) and the control group (CG, n = 29; 56.6 + or - 4.6 years). In the study group was applied a weight exercise protocol (longitudinal forces in closed kinetic chain) during 12 months, whereas in the control group no weight exercise protocol was applied. Bone mineral density at the lumbar spine and hip was assessed at baseline and at the end of follow-up by dual energy X-ray absorptiometry. RESULTS. Although no significant intragroup differences were found, patients in SG showed a 1.17% increase in the lumbar spine whereas in CG a 2.26% decrease in bone density was detected.

This protocol of weight training exercise did not significantly improve bone mineral density in postmenopausal women with osteopenia or osteoporosis, but in comparison to the control group, the results showed the importance of practising the specific exercise program for maintenance of bone health in postmenopausal women.