Effect of Strength Training Protocol on Bone Mineral Density for Postmenopausal Women with Osteopenia/Osteoporosis Assessed by Dual-Energy X-ray Absorptiometry (DEXA).

Iulian Ștefan Holubiac,Tatiana Dobrescu,Florin Valentin Leuciuc,Daniela Maria Crăciun

doi:10.3390/s22051904

Iulian Ștefan Holubiac, Tatiana Dobrescu + Show 2 more

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https://doi.org/10.3390/s22051904

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Abstract

This study aims to introduce a resistance training protocol (6 repetitions × 70% of 1 maximum repetition (1RM), followed by 6 repetitions × 50% of 1RM within the same set) specifically designed for postmenopausal women with osteopenia/osteoporosis and monitor the effect of the protocol on bone mineral density (BMD) in the lumbar spine, assessed by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA). The subjects included in the study were 29 postmenopausal women (56.5 ± 2.8 years) with osteopenia or osteoporosis; they were separated into two groups: the experimental group (n = 15), in which the subjects participated in the strength training protocol for a period of 6 months; and the control group (n = 14), in which the subjects did not take part in any physical activity. BMD in the lumbar spine was measured by DEXA. The measurements were performed at the beginning and end of the study. A statistically significant increase (Δ% = 1.82%) in BMD was observed at the end of the study for the exercise group (0.778 ± 0.042 at baseline vs. 0.792 ± 0.046 after 6 months, p = 0.018, 95% CI [−0.025, −0.003]); while an increase was observed for the control group (Δ% = 0.14%), the difference was not statistically significant (0.762 ± 0.057 at baseline vs. 0.763 ± 0.059, p = 0.85, 95% CI [−0.013, 0.011]). In conclusion, our strength training protocol seems to be effective in increasing BMD among women with osteopenia/osteoporosis and represents an affordable strategy for preventing future bone loss.

Highlights

The introduction of the bone mass assessment method using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) measurement is an important step for clinical trials aimed at assessing bone density
This study aims to evaluate the influence of a resistance training protocol for lumbar spine bone mineral density (BMD) amongst women with postmenopausal osteopenia/osteoporosis assessed by DEXA
Among the results offered by DEXA investigation is some information on bone mineral content (BMC) given in g, area measured in cm3, and BMD given in g/cm2 [11]

Summary

Introduction

The introduction of the bone mass assessment method using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) measurement is an important step for clinical trials aimed at assessing bone density. Osteoporosis caused by oestrogen deficiency is characterised by loss of bone density, which may be accompanied by fractures in the femoral neck, lumbar spine, and distal radius. Oestrogen plays a protective role in the bone system, and when women enter the postmenopausal period and oestrogen levels drop significantly, osteolysis becomes more pronounced compared with osteogenesis because the lack of oestrogen tends to cause an imbalance between osteogenesis and osteolysis (in favour of osteolysis), making bones more fragile. Osteoclasts (the bone cells responsible for osteolysis) become more active than osteoblasts (the bone cells responsible for osteogenesis). When oestrogen levels decrease (as in the case of menopause), the rate of osteolysis increases and the rate of osteogenesis decreases, which leads to a decrease in bone mass

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