Premium
Effects of Exercise Training on Bone Density in Older Men and Women
Author(s) -
Blumenthal James A.,
Emery Charles F.,
Madden David J.,
Schniebolk Susan,
Riddle Margaret W.,
Cobb Frederick R.,
Higginbotham Michael,
Coleman R. Edward
Publication year - 1991
Publication title -
journal of the american geriatrics society
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.992
H-Index - 232
eISSN - 1532-5415
pISSN - 0002-8614
DOI - 10.1111/j.1532-5415.1991.tb02870.x
Subject(s) - medicine , aerobic exercise , physical therapy , bone density , rehabilitation , randomized controlled trial , bone mineral , physical fitness , osteoporosis
Objectives : To determine the effects of up to 14 months of aerobic exercise on measures of bone density in older adults. Design : 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). Setting : An outpatient exercise rehabilitation facility at a large, major medical center. Subjects : One‐hundred‐one healthy men ( n = 50) and women ( n = 51) over age 60 (Mean age = 67.0), recruited from the community. Intervention : The exercise program included stretching, cycle ergometry, and walking three times per week for 60 minutes throughout the course of the study. Outcome Measures : Aerobic fitness (VO 2 max) as assessed by cycle ergometry, and bone density (bone mineral content) measured by single photon absorptiometry. Results : Subjects achieved a 10%–15% increase in VO 2 max 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.