OsteoporosisExercise For Health.

Q: What is osteoporosis?

A: Osteoporosis is a disorder in which a

loss of bone mass and strength leads to

fractures. It most commonly occurs in

post-menopausal women, in which

estrogen deficiency likely has a key role.

Q: What are the riskfactors for osteoporotic

fractures?

A: Low bone mass is a primary risk factor for

osteoporotic fractures. However, geometry of the

lower body bones is also a risk factor, with hip axis

length (the distance from greater trochanter to inner

pelvic brim) being the main geometrical risk factor

identified. Also, the risk of falls affects the risk of

osteoporotic fractures. Risk factors for falls include

leg dysfunction and poor leg strength

Q: What factors influencebone mineral density?

A: Physical fitness, physical activity levels

and overall muscular strength are key

factors that predict bone mineral density

and therefore bone mass

Q: Is aerobic exerciseuseful for patients with

osteoporosis?

A: Most forms of weight-bearing aerobic

exercise training are effective for

arresting the reduction in bone mineral

density and may also lead to increases in

bone mineral density

Q: Are combined trainingprograms useful for

patients withosteoporosis?

A: Combined training interventions

involving two or more of aerobic,

resistance and stretching exercises

appear to be useful for the treatment or

prevention of osteoporosis

Q: Is resistance traininguseful for patients with

osteoporosis?

A: Most resistance training interventions

appear to be useful for the treatment or

prevention of osteoporosis. They appear

to be as effective as weight-bearing

aerobic exercise

Q: What are evidence-based

recommendations for exercise

in the treatment of

osteoporosis?

A: Exercise interventions to help prevent

and treat osteoporosis should include

strengthening exercises to help improve

balance, leg strength, back strength and

core strength, as tolerated by the

individual on a case-by-case basis

For more information:www.exercise-for-health.com/osteoporosis

Exercise For Health.