Efficacy of exercise in the treatment of postmenopausal osteoporosis

This study was carried out to investigate the effectiveness of exercise in the treatment of osteoporosis. For this purpose, patients diagnosed with postmenopausal osteoporosis by clinical examination and DEXA (Dual photon X absorptiometry) method were randomly divided into 2 groups. In addition to medical treatment, 20 patients in the exercise group received back extension and posture exercises for one hour 2 days a week, and a one-hour fast walking exercise program 3 days a week. Only medical treatment was given to 40 patients in the control group. In medical treatment, etidronate disodium 400mg/day for 2 weeks; followed by 0.5μg/day calcitriol and 1000mg/day elemental calcium for 10 weeks. The treatment was continued for 6 months. Trabecular bone density was measured in L1-L4 vertebrae with DEXA method before and after treatment. Hydroxyproline levels were measured in 24-hour urine. It was evaluated with activities of daily living (ADL) using HAQ (Health Assessment Questionare) method. At the end of the treatment, there was an increase of 4.3% in bone density in the exercise group and approximately 1.0% in the control group. The difference was statistically significant (p<0.001). Again, a significant decrease was observed in the 24-hour urinary hydroxyproline levels in the exercise group (p<0.01). Significant improvements were observed in ADLs in both groups, but more in the exercise group (p<0.001).