Comparison of the Effects of Walking and Bench-Step Exercise on Osteocalcin and CTX-1 in Post-Menopausal Women With Osteopenia

Abstract

Purpose: Bench-step exercise produces biomechanical movements beneficial to improve bone remodeling. However, no studies have confirmed the effects of bench-step exercise (BE) on bone formation and resorption. The goal of this study is to compare the effects of bench-step and walking exercise (WE) on changes in osteocalcin and CTX-1 levels. Methods: Fifty-nine sedentary post-menopausal women with osteopenia (T-score between À1 and À2.5) were randomly divided into two groups: WE group (n ¼ 29) and BE group (n ¼ 30). Subjects performed 12 weeks of exercise. The osteocalcin and CTX-1 levels were analyzed using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Independent t-test or Wilcoxon test was used to analyze the osteocalcin and CTX-1 levels. The difference in changes in the osteocalcin and CTX-1 between the groups before and after was analyzed using Mann-Whitney test. Results: The results showed a significant increase in the osteocalcin and CTX-1 levels in both groups (P < 0:05). The increased levels of osteocalcin between groups were not statistically different (P > 0:367). The increase in CTX-1 resulting from BE was lower than that from WE (P < 0:048). Conclusion: This study indicates that BE may inhibit resorption stronger than WE.