Exercise in the Prevention and Management of Osteoporosis

Abstract

Osteoporosis, characterized by bone loss, is a serious disease affecting millions of elderly women. Current research suggests that regular exercise plays an important role in its prevention. Physical therapists treat many patients who are at risk for developing osteoporosis or who already have the disease. To provide optimum patient care, physical therapists must be knowledgeable about the disease process and the role of exercise in its prevention and management. To meet this need, I have provided a brief overview of the literature on osteoporosis. The structure and dynamic nature of bone are discussed. Factors influencing the development of osteoporosis are identified. Studies dealing with the response of bone to mechanical stress in athletes, in addition to the role of exercise in the prevention of osteoporosis, are reviewed. Finally, recommendations are made for postural training and for extension and weight-bearing exercises in the management of the patient with symptomatic osteoporosis.

Genetic and Environmental Influences on Level of Habitual Physical Activity and Exercise Participation

“…These conducted between 1972 and 1983 in Can-results indicate that about 40 per cent of ada and the United States has revealed that the population is totally sedentary. On the only 20 per cent of the North American other hand, there is evidence from epidepopulation exercises with an intensity rec-miologic studies that physical activity has ommended for cardiovascular benefits, beneficial effects on several morbid condiwhile an additional 40 per cent is active at tions such as coronary heart disease (2-4), a moderate level, perhaps sufficient to obesity (5,6), lipid profile (7), osteoporosis (8)(9)(10), cancer (11)(12)(13), and non-insulin dependent diabetes (14,15). These findings have contributed to the promotion of physical activity as revealed by the fact that 11 of the United States 1990 health objectives focus on physical fitness and exercise (16).…”

Essential Components of Physical Therapist Management of Patients With Osteoporosis: A Delphi Study

“…This is particularly true in the exploration of evidence concerning physical therapist management of patients with osteoporosis. [19][20][21] Strong evidence regarding recommended screening tools, assessment techniques, and interventions including education and preventive strategies for patients with osteoporosis is nearly non-existent. One notable exception is exercise targeted at changing BMD.…”

“…Consequently, such CPGs may have less value to for inquiring clinicians who want to know more about screening, assessment, and specific interventions. This is particularly true in the exploration of evidence concerning physical therapist management of patients with osteoporosis 19–21…”

Testing the effectiveness of an osteoporosis educational program for nursing students in Thailand

“…Strong evidence indicates that genetic and lifestyle factors are important determinants of peak bone mass (13). Evidence suggests that heightening peak bone mass in young women through increased calcium intake and increased weight‐bearing exercise may help decrease or prevent osteoporosis later in life (14–16). However, there is also evidence that a great number of young women do not participate in weight‐bearing exercises or meet daily dietary calcium recommendations (17).…”