OBJECTIVE: Examine the effects of aerobic exercise on bone mineral density (BMD) in women. METHODS: Meta-analysis of studies that met the following inclusion criteria: (1) randomized or nonrandomized controlled trials, (2) aerobic exercise as the only intervention, (3) adult female humans ages 18 years or older, (4) journal articles, dissertations, and masters theses published in the English-language literature, (5) studies published and indexed between January 1966 and December 1998, (6) BMD assessed at the femur, lumbar spine, or radius, (7) training studies lasting at least 16 weeks. RESULTS: Twenty-four studies representing 58 groups (31 exercise, 27 control) and 1,029 subjects (517 exercise, 512 control) met the criteria for inclusion. Using a random-effects model, small but statistically significant effect size changes in BMD were observed at the lumbar spine (mean ± SD=0.33 ± 0.49, 95% confidence interval=0.16 to 0.50) and femur (mean ± SD=0.25 ± 0.35, 95% confidence interval=0.14 to 0.35). Changes in lumbar spine BMD were equivalent to a 0.37% increase in the exercise groups and a 1.87% decrease in the control groups. For the femur, changes were equivalent to 1.37% increase in the exercise groups and a 0.58% decrease in the control groups. No statistically significant changes were observed at the radius (mean ± SD=0.10 ± 0.45, 95% confidence interval=-0.20 to 0.41). CONCLUSION: Aerobic exercise has a small but positive effect on BMD at the lumbar spine and femur in women.
Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session, the participant (learner) in this session will be able to: 1. Describe the effects of aerobic exercise on bone mineral density in women. 2. Discuss weaknesses in the aerobic exercise and bone density literature as it pertains to women. 3. Identify areas for future research on the effects of aerobic exercise on bone density in women.
Keywords: Exercise, Preventive Medicine
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.