Review article
Physical Activity and Osteoporosis
Simeon Grazio
Diana Balen
Abstract
Osteoporosis is a systematic skeletal disease characterised by low bone mass and microarchitectural deterioration of bone leading to greater bone fragility and consequentially increased risk of fractures. Peak bone mass in youth is critical for the development of osteoporosis at an older age. Physical activity, especially resistance and high intensity exercises, with a probable mechanism of mechanical stress and osteoblastic induction, play a significant role in achieving peak bone mass and preventing osteoporosis and osteoporotic fractures. Various types of physical activity aimed at protecting bone health are recommended to individuals of different age groups, depending on comorbidity, risk factors for falls and fractures, as well as affinity for certain sports. To achieve maximum peak bone mass, children and young people are advised to engage in sports such as basketball, volleyball, gymnastics or resistance training, especially weight-bearing exercises. In the case of women, especially postmenopausal women, physical activity should include muscle strength training, aerobics, high intensity training and/or weight-bearing exercises to reduce the loss of bone mineral. Exercise programme for osteoporosis patients should include exercises for improving posture, coordination and balance, walking exercises, pelvic muscle strengthening exercises and core stability exercises. People with verified vertebral fracture in chronic phase should do exercises for improving coordination and balance, as well as back extensor strengthening exercises. The rehabilitation programme after osteoporotic hip fracture involves mainly the range of motion and muscle strength exercises, exercises for improving walking and balance, and functional training. When designing a training programme for the prevention or treatment of osteoporosis, individual planning is crucial. Exercises should be specific and gradually progressive in achieving intensity and bone load, and they should be performed regularly.
Keywords
osteoporosis; physical activity; exercises
Hrčak ID:
227133
URI
Publication date:
28.10.2019.
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