Influence of three different types of physical training programs on bone mineral density in a group of elderly subjects

Abstract

Introduction The aim of the present study was to explore the effect of resistance, endurance, and combined exercise training on bone mass in a group of elderly subjects. Summary of facts and results Fifty-two healthy elderly subjects (35 women and 17 men) whose ages range between 65 and 75 years were included in the study. Subjects were randomly assigned to a resistance training group, an endurance training group, a combined resistance and endurance training group or a control group. The bone mineral density at the whole body, lumbar spine, total hip and femoral neck was measured by Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry before and after 12 months of intervention. At the end-point of this experiment, bone mineral density at the total body, lumbar spine, total hip, and femoral neck increased in the resistance group (P < 0.05). Bone mineral density at the total body, total hip, and femoral neck remained unchanged in the endurance group. Bone mineral density at the whole body and lumbar spine increased in the combined resistance and endurance training group (P < 0.05), while bone mineral density of the total hip and femoral neck remained unchanged. The resistance training group showed the highest improvements in bone mineral density values compared to other groups. Conclusion Resistance training can stimulate bone gain while endurance training can mitigate bone loss at clinically important sites of osteoporotic fractures in elderly subjects.