THE BENEFITS OF EXERCISE IN POSTMENOPAUSAL WOMEN

Physical exercise is commonly promoted as a panacea. However many of t he claimed benefits, in particular any positive effects on bone densit y, have not been scientifically proved. We assessed the effects of a t wice-weekly aerobic weight-bearing exercise program on bone density in postmenopausal women. We tested bone density at the spine and hip in 19 exercisers with a mean age of 66.4 years (SEM +/- 1. 2) before and after a two-year exercise program, and in 11 controls, mean age 65.4 y ears (SEM +/- 1.5). We also assessed risk factors for cardiovascular d isease and tested wellbeing and cognitive function. The mean percentag e change in lumbar bone mineral density was -0.8 in exercisers and -3. 8 in controls (difference 3.0 per cent; 95 per cent confidence interva l (CI) 0. 3 to 5.7 per cent; P = 0.03 1). The mean percentage change i n trochanteric bone mineral concentration was +9.6 in exercisers and - 4.4 in controls (difference 14.0 per cent; CI 4.6 to 23.5; P= 0.0049). The exercisers also had significantly higher wellbeing and diastolic blood pressure. This study adds strong evidence that twice-weekly weig ht-bearing aerobic exercise has a protective effect on bone density in postmenopausal women as well as being associated with other measurabl e benefits.