Multicomponent training program with weight-bearing exercises elicits favorable bone density, muscle strength, and balance adaptations in older women.
Physical exercise is advised as a preventive and therapeutic strategy against aging-induced bone weakness. In this study we examined the effects of 8-month multicomponent training with weight-bearing exercises on different risk factors of falling, including muscle strength, balance, agility, and bone mineral density (BMD) in older women. Participants were randomly assigned to either an exercise-training group (ET, n = 30) or a control group (CON, n = 30). Twenty-seven subjects in the ET group and 22 in the CON group completed the study. Training was performed twice a week and was designed to load bones with intermittent and multidirectional compressive forces and to improve physical function. Outcome measures included lumbar spine and proximal femoral BMD (by dual X-ray absorptiometry), muscle strength, balance, handgrip strength, walking performance, fat mass, and anthropometric data. Potential confounding variables included dietary intake, accelerometer-based physical activity, and molecularly defined lactase nonpersistence. After 8 months, the ET group decreased percent fat mass and improved handgrip strength, postural sway, strength on knee flexion at 180°/s, and BMD at the femoral neck (+2.8%). Both groups decreased waist circumference and improved dynamic balance, chair stand performance, strength on knee extension for the right leg at 180°/s, and knee flexion for both legs at 60°/s. No associations were found between lactase nonpersistence and BMD changes. Data suggest that 8 months of moderate-impact weight-bearing and multicomponent exercises reduces the potential risk factors for falls and related fractures in older women.
Research Centre in Physical Activity, Health and Leisure, Faculty of Sport, University of Porto, Rua Dr. Plácido Costa 91, 4200-450 Porto, Portugal. elisaamarques@msn.com
Elisa A
EA
Marques
Jorge
J
Mota
Leandro
L
Machado
Filipa
F
Sousa
Margarida
M
Coelho
Pedro
P
Moreira
Joana
J
Carvalho
D015502:Absorptiometry, Photon; D000222:Adaptation, Physiological / Q000502:physiology*; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D015519:Bone Density / Q000502:physiology*; D015444:Exercise / Q000502:physiology; D005081:Exercise Therapy; D005260:Female; D050723:Fractures, Bone / Q000517:prevention & control*; D006801:Humans; D053580:Muscle Strength / Q000502:physiology*; D010809:Physical Fitness; D004856:Postural Balance / Q000502:physiology*; D016474:Weight-Bearing / Q000502:physiology*