THE IMPACT OF A SENIOR DANCING PROGRAM ON SPINAL AND PERIPHERAL BONE MASS

Because activity and regular exercise are important factors to maintai n general good health in senior citizens, we investigated whether seni or dancing has any effect on peripheral or lumbar bone density. We per formed a prospective study over a12-mo period on bone density at a spi nal and peripheral measuring site in 28 female senior members (mean ag e: 67 +/- 2 yr) of a dancing group in Vienna. Lumbar bone mineral dens ity was assessed by quantitative computed tomography (qCT) and radial bone density by single photon absorptiometry of the distal forearm. Th e mean training time per week was 3.2 +/- 0.8 h. In the entire group o f female dancers, no significant effects of dancing on radial or lumba r bone density could be observed. Linear regression analysis showed th at the lower the qCT at the beginning of the observation period, the h igher was the percentage increase of spinal qCT in the entire group du ring 12 mo of dancing (r = 0.52, P < 0.0001). For additional evaluatio n, females were divided into two subgroups, osteoporotic or nonosteopo rotic, based on x-rays and lumbar bone mineral density (BMD) as measur ed by qCT. The group classified as dancers with osteoporosis (group I) showed a significant increase in lumbar bone density, whereas in the group of dancers without signs of osteoporosis (group II), BMD remaine d unchanged. Additionally, radial bone density did not show any change s in either group. Group I showed a significant correlation between ba sal spinal BMD and the percentage change of BMD during the observation period (r = P < 0.001). Changes of the biochemical parameters were ob served in the bone-specific isoenzyme of alkaline phosphatase, a marke r of osteoblastic activity, in group I giving additional evidence of i ncreased bone formation.