Abstract
Objectives
Osteoporotic fractures are associated with substantial morbidity and mortality. Although
exercise has long been recommended for the prevention and management of osteoporosis,
existing guidelines are often non-specific and do not account for individual differences
in bone health, fracture risk and functional capacity. The aim of the current position
statement is to provide health practitioners with specific, evidence-based guidelines
for safe and effective exercise prescription for the prevention or management of osteoporosis,
accommodating a range of potential comorbidities.
Design
Position statement.
Methods
Interpretation and application of research reports describing the effects of exercise
interventions for the prevention and management of low bone mass, osteoporosis and
osteoporotic fracture.
Results
Evidence from animal and human trials indicates that bone responds positively to impact
activities and high intensity progressive resistance training. Furthermore, the optimisation
of muscle strength, balance and mobility minimises the risk of falls (and thereby
fracture), which is particularly relevant for individuals with limited functional
capacity and/or a very high risk of osteoporotic fracture. It is important that all
exercise programs be accompanied by sufficient calcium and vitamin D, and address
issues of comorbidity and safety. For example, loaded spine flexion is not recommended,
and impact activities may require modification in the presence of osteoarthritis or
frailty.
Conclusions
Specific guidelines for safe and effective exercise for bone health are presented.
Individual exercise prescription must take into account existing bone health status,
co-morbidities, and functional or clinical risk factors for falls and fracture.
Keywords
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Article info
Publication history
Published online: October 31, 2016
Accepted:
October 9,
2016
Received in revised form:
September 9,
2016
Received:
December 23,
2015
Identification
Copyright
© 2016 Sports Medicine Australia. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
