Effects of high-intensity strength training on multiple risk factors for osteoporotic fractures. A randomized controlled trial

JAMA. 1994 Dec 28;272(24):1909-14. doi: 10.1001/jama.1994.03520240037038.

Abstract

Objective: To determine how multiple risk factors for osteoporotic fractures could be modified by high-intensity strength training exercises in postmenopausal women.

Design: Randomized controlled trial of 1-year duration.

Setting: Exercise laboratory at Tufts University, Boston, Mass.

Population: Forty postmenopausal white women, 50 to 70 years of age, participated in the study; 39 women completed the study. The subjects were sedentary and estrogen-deplete.

Interventions: High-intensity strength training exercises 2 days per week using five different exercises (n = 20) vs untreated controls (n = 19).

Main outcome measures: Dual energy x-ray absorptiometry for bone status, one repetition maximum for muscle strength, 24-hour urinary creatinine for muscle mass, and backward tandem walk for dynamic balance.

Results: Femoral neck bone mineral density and lumbar spine bone mineral density increased by 0.005 +/- 0.039 g/cm2 (0.9% +/- 4.5%) (mean +/- SD) and 0.009 +/- 0.033 g/cm2 (1.0% +/- 3.6%), respectively, in the strength-trained women and decreased by -0.022 +/- 0.035 g/cm2 (-2.5% +/- 3.8%) and -0.019 +/- 0.035 g/cm2 (-1.8% +/- 3.5%), respectively, in the controls (P = .02 and .04). Total body bone mineral content was preserved in the strength-trained women (+2.0 +/- 68 g; 0.0% +/- 3.0%) and tended to decrease in the controls (-33+77 g; -1.2% +/- 3.4%, P = .12). Muscle mass, muscle strength, and dynamic balance increased in the strength-trained women and decreased in the controls (P = .03 to < .001).

Conclusions: High-intensity strength training exercises are an effective and feasible means to preserve bone density while improving muscle mass, strength, and balance in postmenopausal women.

Publication types

  • Clinical Trial
  • Randomized Controlled Trial
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Analysis of Variance
  • Bone Density
  • Creatinine / urine
  • Exercise Therapy*
  • Female
  • Fractures, Bone / etiology*
  • Fractures, Bone / prevention & control*
  • Hormones / blood
  • Humans
  • Middle Aged
  • Muscles / physiology
  • Nutritional Physiological Phenomena
  • Osteoporosis, Postmenopausal / complications*
  • Osteoporosis, Postmenopausal / therapy*
  • Postural Balance
  • Risk Factors

Substances

  • Hormones
  • Creatinine