title: Effects of exercise on bone density, balance, and self-efficacy in older women.
abstract: The effects of weighted vest walking and strength-training exercises on bone mineral density (BMD), balance, strength, and self-efficacy were tested in older women. Eighteen women, age 69.2 +/- 3.5 years, were randomly assigned to an exercise group (EG) (n = 9), or a sedentary control group (CG) (n = 9). The EG participated in 32 weeks (three 1-h sessions/week) of supervised strength training and walking, stair climbing, and balance exercises while wearing weighted vests. The CG did not exercise. All women took Ca2+ and vitamin D during the study period. Measures included 1) BMD of the hip and lumbar spine measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry, 2) strength, 3) balance, and 4) scores on a self-efficacy instrument. The EG had significant improvements in bone density of the femoral neck and balance and a significant weight loss (P < 0.05). There were no changes in self-efficacy in either group.
authors.affiliation: College of Nursing, University of Florida, Gainesville, USA.
authors.forename: James V
authors.initials: JV
authors.lastname: Jessup
authors.forename: Claydell
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Horne
authors.forename: R K
authors.initials: RK
authors.lastname: Vishen
authors.forename: Donna
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Wheeler
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D015519:Bone Density; D015444:Exercise; D005260:Female; D005431:Florida; D006801:Humans; D004856:Postural Balance; D020377:Self Efficacy