Effects of high impact exercises on physical activity, bone mineral density, body mass index and body fat percentage among osteopenic young females

Abstract

IntroductionWhile osteopenia was once considered an older disease, it is now commonly seen in young individuals. The low bone density in the young population is alarming, leading to demands to improve physical activity. The study aims to determine the effectiveness of high impact exercise among young females with osteopenia.MethodsA quasi-experimental study was conducted in the out-patient department of Jinnah Sindh medical university among forty-five females aged 18 to 30 years, with osteopenia. The participants were enrolled through convenience and a purposive sampling technique. A training program involving high impact exercise was given for 4 weeks following an initial screening using a DEXA scan. The outcome was measured with the pre- and post-intervention of an exercise program on bone mass density (BMD), body mass index (BMI) and body fat percentage (BFP).ResultsAt the end of the four weeks, BMI, BMD and BFP showed significant improvements (<i>p</i> < 0.05). The BMD was improved from –1.95 to –1.89. It was found that BMD was significantly associated with age (0.04).ConclusionsOur study confirmed that the bone health of young females needs special attention to avoid osteoporosis in the future. The high impact exercises did show significant improvements through training, but additional studies are required on a larger scale.