Effects of Exercise on Osteoporosis

BACKGROUND & PURPOSE Is it possible to slow, halt, or even reverse osteoporosis with exercise? Osteoporosis is a silent disease that has been estimated to affect 10 million individuals in the US. Every year there are millions of cases of osteoporotic fractures. Furthermore, it has been estimated that one in every two Caucasian women will experience an osteoporotic fracture in their lifetime.[C] These fractures represent multiple health complications with impaired quality of life, as well as an economical burden for society.[10] Reviewed research highlights effects of exercise on the progression of osteoporosis on postmenopausal women. CASE DESCRIPTION This case study considers a 57-year-old postmenopausal female who was prescribed physical therapy for treatment of chronic sciatica and neck pain. Radiographs revealed acute cervical degenerative disease. Past medical history was remarkable for chronic idiopathic osteoporosis. Due to prescription and time limitations, therapy for her osteoporosis was restricted to patient education and a home exercise program. OUTCOMES Due to time limitations for the intervention proposed to this patient, there were no measurable changes on bone mineral density. However, the clinical question has been answered, and research reviewed in this study provided valuable information on future optimal exercise prescription for patients with similar characteristics. BOTTOM-LINE High impact activities, combined with resistive training exercise, sustained for a 12 month minimum produce measurable improvements to bone mineral densities in postmenopausal women