Can Exercise Therapy Cure Osteoporosis in Women?

What Is Osteoporosis?

Osteoporosis is a medical condition in which the bones become weak and brittle. The cause is attributed to the reduction in bone density due to underlying factors like lifestyle changes, genetic diseases, hormonal alterations, and other factors like kidney disease, congestive heart failure, etc. It results in decreased bone strength and an increased risk of fractures.

Post-menopausal women are at a higher risk for the development of osteoporosis due to changes in the levels of estrogen during menopause. Estrogen is essential for the healthy maintenance of bone density. When its levels fall, like in menopause, it increases the probability of compromised bone strength leading to osteoporosis.

What Is Exercise Therapy?

Exercise therapy is the utilization of movements and physical activities to improve function, strength, and comfort. It involves gait training and another therapeutic activity-based therapy approach for physical activities. This exercise program is designed to help patients recover from illnesses and ailments that impair their ability to move, carry out everyday tasks, or maintain a level of wellness. It can also be a form of rehabilitation that uses physical exercise to alleviate ailments or injuries. It may be used alone or in conjunction with other medical or surgical procedures.

What Are the Benefits of Exercise Therapy for Osteoporosis?

It has been observed from studies have shown that high-intensity, frequent exercise is important for bone growth and preservation and that osteoporosis can be reversed by prolonged, intense weight bearing.

Staying physically active by participating in activities like walking, jogging, dancing, low-impact aerobics, stair climbing, and gardening are a few examples. These exercises slow mineral loss by directly affecting the bones in the legs, hips, and lower spine. Additionally, they provide cardiovascular advantages that improve the condition of the heart and circulatory system.

To avoid osteoporosis, grow bone mass before reaching peak bone mass. However, in osteoporosis, appropriate weight-bearing exercise is beneficial for preventing falls that could cause fractures, boosting muscle strength, enhancing walking balance and coordination, and preventing orthostatic hypotension.

Studies have shown that -

• Males and females respond differently to exercise regarding how much it benefits bone tissue.

• As long as there is a sufficient calcium intake, a suitable amount of activity positively impacts both weight-bearing and non-weight-bearing bones.

• Although an increase in bone mass cannot be anticipated, exercise may stop the bone loss associated with osteoporosis.

There are mainly three types of exercises employed to treat osteoporosis which as listed.

• Resistance exercises.

• Flexibility exercises.

• Bone-strengthening exercises.

What Is Resistance Exercise for Osteoporosis?

Resistance exercise includes exercises in which a person works against the weight of another object. Because it makes bones and muscles stronger, resistance training combats osteoporosis. Research has shown that resistance training improves bone density and lowers the chance of fractures. There are different types of resistance exercises employed for osteoporosis which are described below:

• Weight Training: Weight training is a popular form of strength training type of exercise for increasing skeletal muscle strength and size and maintaining strength. Weight training places the muscles under stress, forcing them to adapt and grow stronger. It is a great strategy to increase muscle mass and strength. It can also strengthen the bones and keep the metabolism running smoothly.

• Water Exercises: Water exercise is a low-impact activity that relieves stress on the muscles, joints, and bones. Additionally, water's natural resistance might help the body to build stronger muscles. Examples of water exercises include standing or floating pool exercises, swimming, and training utilizing specialized equipment, such as a flotation device.

• Resistance Tubing: Resistance bands and tubes can enhance muscle size, strength, and function in elderly people and people undergoing rehabilitation. They can produce might be very mild or quite heavy, and they can stimulate particular muscles while also protecting joints.

What Is Flexibility Exercises for Osteoporosis?

Flexibility exercises include a range of stretching exercises that increase flexibility and help joints retain the range of motion required for daily activities and physical activity. Some examples of flexibility exercises include -

• Stretching: Stretching is a form of exercise where a specific muscle, tendon, or muscle group is purposefully flexed or stretched to increase the muscle's perceived flexibility and achieve a comfortable level of muscular tone. The benefits include increasing blood flow, decreasing the risk of injuries, improving the ability for daily activities, etc.

• Yoga: Appropriate yoga practice can actually boost bone density. Studies have shown yoga also enhances flexibility and balance, reducing falls and, in turn, reducing the risk of fractures.

What Are Bone-strengthening Exercises for Osteoporosis?

Bone strengthening exercises involve weight bearing and make the body fight gravity, strengthening bones. Walking, stair climbing, tennis, and dancing are a few examples.

It is important only to perform what the fitness level allows; higher-impact activities build bones more than lower-impact workouts. Exercises that increase balance also help to stay upright and prevent falls. Yoga and tai chi are two examples.

What Are the Exercises to be Avoided for Osteoporotic Patients?

Due to the increased fragility of the bones, osteoporotic women should avoid doing the following exercises that involve that need rapid, strong movement, especially weighted forward flexion of the spine, such as abdominal sit-ups, which increases the risk of falling unless started gradually as part of a progressive program unless the person is used to such movements.

What Is the Ideal Time for Exercise Training in Osteoporotic Patients?

There are no set time strands for exercise training for osteoporosis. However, it may be carried out as mentioned below as per standard guidelines:

• Exercises that strengthen the lower limb, trunk, and arm muscles should be included in each training session twice or thrice per week.

• Each exercise should be performed eight to ten times. Balance exercises should be performed for a short period of time, at a level that challenges the balance, at least twice per week.

• Resistance training should not exceed one hour to a maximum of three times a week.

Conclusion:

Osteoporosis is a very common condition, especially in women. Loss of calcium in the bones of a person with osteoporosis increases their risk of fracture (break). Regular exercise lowers the rate of bone loss and preserves bone tissue, reducing the likelihood of fractures. Additionally, exercise lowers the chance of falling. Always consult a doctor for medical advice about the type and duration of exercise therapy in combination with medication, nutrition, and related to treat osteoporosis.