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Got It, Hide thisZhao R, Zhang M, Zhang Q The Effectiveness of Combined Exercise Interventions for Preventing Postmenopausal Bone Loss: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther. 2017:47:241-51.
In postmenopausal women, does combining different types of exercise improve bone mineral density (BMD) levels compared with usual physical activity?
As we get older, we lose bone mass or density and are at increased risk for bone fractures. After menopause, bone loss and fracture risk can increase for women. Exercise can increase BMD levels or slow down BMD decreases, although individual exercises seem to work best for specific parts of the body (e.g., spine or hip). Combining different types of exercise may improve BMD levels at more than one part of the body.
The researchers did a systematic review of studies available up to January 2016. They found 11 randomized controlled trials that included 1061 women with an average age of 55 years.
The key features of the studies were:
Women could use calcium and/or vitamin D supplements during the trials.
Compared with control (mostly usual activity), combined exercise interventions improved BMD levels by a small amount at the lumbar spine, femoral neck, hip, and overall.
In postmenopausal women, combined exercise interventions improve bone mineral density levels by a small amount at 12 months compared with usual activity.
Outcomes | Number of trials (number of women) | Effect† of exercise interventions on BMD at 12 months‡ |
Lumbar spine BMD | 9 trials (853 women) | Small improvement |
Femoral neck BMD | 8 trials (809 women) | Small improvement |
Total hip BMD | 6 trials (634 women) | Small improvement |
Total body BMD | 4 trials (439 women) | Small improvement |
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