Layne JE, Nelson ME
Nutrition, Exercise Physiology and Sarcopenia Laboratory, Jean
Mayer USDA Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging, Tufts
University, Boston, MA 02111, USA.
Osteoporosis is a major public health problem that is
characterized by low bone mass and increased susceptibility to
fractures, primarily of the hip, spine, and wrist. It is
estimated to cause 1.5 million fractures annually in the United
States in people aged 50 yr and older. Physical activity,
particularly weight-bearing exercise, is thought to provide the
mechanical stimuli or "loading" important for the
maintenance and improvement of bone health, whereas physical
inactivity has been implicated in bone loss and its associated
health costs. Both aerobic and resistance training exercise can
provide weight-bearing stimulus to bone, yet research indicates
that resistance training may have a more profound site specific
effect than aerobic exercise. Over the past 10 years, nearly two
dozen cross-sectional and longitudinal studies have shown a
direct and positive relationship between the effects of
resistance training and bone density. Conversely, a handful of
other studies have reported little or no effect on bone density.
However, these results may be partially attributable to the
study design, intensity and duration of the exercise protocol,
and the bone density measurement techniques used. High-intensity
resistance training, in contrast to traditional pharmacological
and nutritional approaches for improving bone health in older
adults, has the added benefit of influencing multiple risk
factors for osteoporosis including improved strength and balance
and increased muscle mass.
Publication Types:
· Review
· Review, tutorial