THE EFFECT OF A SPECIFIC STRENGTH-DEVELOPMENT EXERCISE ON BONE-MINERAL DENSITY IN PERIMENOPAUSAL AND POSTMENOPAUSAL WOMEN

The objective of this study was to assess the effect of physical activ ity on bone density at the distal radius in healthy perimenopausal (23 ) and postmenopausal (60) women. The 83 women, aged 40-62 years, were randomized into two groups. The women participated in an exercise prog ram of 40 minutes of jogging and 20 minutes of gymnastics three times a week for 1 year (group 1, n = 46) or 6 months (group 2, n = 37), res pectively. Subjects in group 2 sewed as controls during the first 6 mo nths. They were introduced to exercise classes after the first 6 month s of the study and wore wrist weights (0.8 kg on each arm) during the gymnastics session. None of the women were on hormone replacement ther apy (HRT). Results show a decrease in bone mineral density (BMD) durin g the first 6 months of the study in group 1 (2%, p < 0.01) and group 2, although this was not significant for the latter group (1.2%, n.s., p = 0.045). There was no significant change in osteocalcin serum conc entration, fasting urinary calcium excretion, and calcium serum concen tration during the first half of the study. After an additional 6 mont hs, it was possible to stop BMD loss ire both groups. Osteocalcin seru m concentration significantly increased, and calcium serum concentrati on significantly decreased in groups 1 and 2. Fasting urinary calcium excretion decreased in both groups, although this was significant only in group 2 during the 1-year study. In conclusion, it proved possible to prevent BMD loss at the distal radius by our exercise program in p erimenopausal and postmenopausal women. The effects of exercise may be general as well as localized. According to our results, additional lo calized benefits from a specific strength-development exercise may be seen.