Effects of exercise training on bone density in older men and women.
OBJECTIVE
To determine the effects of up to 14 months of aerobic exercise on measures of bone density in older adults.


METHODS
Randomized controlled trial with subjects assigned to either an aerobic exercise condition, non-aerobic yoga, or a wait list non-exercise control group for 4 months. Aerobic fitness and bone density were evaluated in all subjects at baseline (Time 1) and after 4 months (Time 2). A semi-crossover design was utilized with all subjects completing 4 months of aerobic exercise, followed by another evaluation (Time 3). All subjects were then given the option of 6 additional months of aerobic exercise, after which they had a fourth evaluation (Time 4).


METHODS
An outpatient exercise rehabilitation facility at a large, major medical center.


METHODS
One-hundred-one healthy men (n = 50) and women (n = 51) over age 60 (Mean age = 67.0), recruited from the community.


METHODS
The exercise program included stretching, cycle ergometry, and walking three times per week for 60 minutes throughout the course of the study.


METHODS
Aerobic fitness (VO2max) as assessed by cycle ergometry, and bone density (bone mineral content) measured by single photon absorptiometry.


RESULTS
Subjects achieved a 10%-15% increase in VO2max after 4 months of exercise training, and 1%-6% further improvement with additional training. Aerobic fitness was associated with significant increases in bone density in men, but not women, who maintained aerobic exercise for 14 months.
Blumenthal
J A
JA
Department of Psychiatry, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina 27710.
Emery
C F
CF
Madden
D J
DJ
Schniebolk
S
S
Riddle
M W
MW
Cobb
F R
FR
Higginbotham
M
M
Coleman
R E
RE
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D015519:Bone Density / Q000502:physiology*; D015444:Exercise / Q000502:physiology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010101:Oxygen Consumption / Q000502:physiology; D010349:Patient Compliance; D010806:Physical Education and Training; D010809:Physical Fitness / Q000502:physiology; D012737:Sex Factors