As the population ages, we are seeing an increase in the number of people with osteopenia and osteoporosis. For many years it was assumed that exercise might stabilize or slow the progress of this disease. In recent years, we have begun to understand that the incorporation of a proper exercise program can stop bone loss and in many instances increase bone density in osteoporosis patients.
The advice about starting an exercise program is sound. Unfortunately, for people that have osteoporosis, there is a lack of good quality information about correct fitness training techniques for this common medical problem. For the most part, people are not aware that many exercises increase the risk of incurring a bone fracture.
When considering a training program for individuals with osteoporosis, consideration must be given to the fact that people with osteoporosis are at greater risk with respect to fractures when compared to the general population. If the wrong exercises are incorporated into the program, the risk of incurring a bone fracture increases significantly. Therefore, the exercise program must include exercises that lead to improvements in bone density, strength, balance, flexibility and confidence for the participant, without increasing the risk of fractures. One barrier for people that have osteoporosis is to overcome the loss of confidence they may experience upon diagnoses. Many have never exercised and accurate information about this topic is limited.
When designing an exercise program, careful consideration must be given to the type of exercises and movements being incorporated into the program. This can be accomplished by having an understanding of the exercises that stop bone loss, lead to increases in bone density, without increasing the risk of fractures. Individuals with osteopenia can perform all forms of exercise and should perform exercises that will stop bone loss and increase bone density. If the person progresses to osteoporosis, everything changes. Individuals with osteoporosis should avoid the following body movements: trunk flexion, lateral bending, running, skipping, jumping, supine chest exercises, twisting and lifting weighted objects overhead. These movements significantly increase the risk of fracturing for individuals with osteoporosis. There are no body movement restrictions for people that have osteopenia. Careful consideration with respect to the exercise program should be given to individuals that have severe osteopenia.
It is very important for people that have osteoporosis or osteopenia to exercise on a regular basis. Improvements in bone density will be lost if the exercise program is stopped.