Mobile home exercise application accelerating bone mineral density among postmenopausal osteoporosis Japanese women...

This study developed a home exercise application, LongLifeSupport, which provides basic daily exercise videos and an automatic recording calendar. Exercise plays an important role in bone health, as it positively influences bone mineral density (BMD). However, its effects on drug treatment remain unclear. This pilot study aimed to determine the effects of exercise on BMD, quality of life (QOL), and physical function among patients with osteoporosis.

Fifty patients with untreated osteoporosis were included, non-randomized, and equally divided into two groups: the application group or the pamphlet group. Both groups started bazedoxifene treatment and exercised for 52 weeks. At 24 and 52 weeks, we assessed BMD (lumbar spine, femoral neck, and total hip), serum parameters, EuroQol five dimensions (EQ-5D), short physical performance battery score, and short test battery score for locomotive syndrome.

At 52 weeks, the percentage changes from baseline in femoral neck and total hip BMD (5.6% and 2.5%, respectively) were significantly greater in the application group than in the pamphlet group (2.1% and 1.0%, respectively). The application group revealed a significantly higher adherence rate (70.8%) compared to the pamphlet group (52.2%) and significant improvements between baseline and 52 weeks in the EQ-5D visual analog scale, two-step test (stage and value) using a short test battery for locomotive syndrome, and chair stand seconds of the short physical performance battery.

Home exercise with bazedoxifene significantly improved BMD, QOL, and physical ability compared to pamphlets. Hence, this application provides an effective exercise program and may be utilized for elderly women with osteoporosis.