Exercise intensity for improving bone mineral density in postmenopausal women with osteoporosis

The results of a meta-analysis have recently been published (Kitagawa et al, 2022) whose objective was to compare the effects of moderate and high intensity strength and impact training (MiRIT and HiRIT, respectively) on changes in bone mineral density (BMD) in postmenopausal women with osteoporosis.

The meta-analysis included six randomized controlled trials with a total of 391 patients aged 53 to 65 years. The selected studies compared the intervention effects of MiRIT and HiRIT in women with osteoporosis or an osteoporotic condition. The primary evaluation focused on changes in BMD of the lumbar spine.

The results showed that, compared to the MiRIT group, the HiRIT group presented a significantly greater improvement in BMD of the lumbar spine (standardized mean difference 2.37). However, a high degree of heterogeneity was observed in three of the included studies (I2 = 98%). Despite this heterogeneity, almost all studies reported minimal adverse events, suggesting that HiRIT programs are relatively safe for this population.

Osteoporosis is very common in postmenopausal women. Although it is widely known that exercise is beneficial in preventing and treating osteoporosis, not all exercise modalities are equally effective. The results of the meta-analysis suggest that high-intensity strength exercises and those that generate significant impacts on bone structure are the most effective in improving BMD, particularly in the lumbar spine.

However, it is crucial that patients be medically evaluated before beginning any high-intensity exercise regimen to ensure its safety. Prior medical evaluation can help personalize the exercise program and minimize the risk of adverse events.

Telerehabilitation tools, such as TRAK, have emerged as innovative solutions to improve bone mineral density (BMD) in postmenopausal women with osteoporosis through exercise. TRAK allows healthcare professionals to design, monitor and adjust personalized exercise programs remotely, facilitating a continuous approach tailored to the individual needs of each patient.

Exercise is crucial to the management of osteoporosis, as it promotes bone formation and slows bone loss. Specific strength and impact training programs, which can be administered and monitored through TRAK, have been shown to be particularly effective. These exercises, which include weight lifting and high impact activities, stimulate osteogenesis and improve BMD, especially in vulnerable areas such as the spine and hip.

TRAK’s ability to provide real-time feedback and adjust programs based on patient progress ensures that postmenopausal women receive the right level of intensity and load in their workouts. In addition, by providing convenient and continuous access to rehabilitation, TRAK improves exercise adherence and thus bone health outcomes. This combination of personalization, continuous monitoring, and accessibility makes TRAK a valuable tool in osteoporosis management.

The results of the meta-analysis mentioned at the beginning of the article (Kitagawa et al, 2022) have been disseminated in Dr. José López Chicharro’s exercise physiology blog, highlighting the importance of properly selecting exercise modalities to maximize bone health benefits.