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Long-term Exercise Using Weighted Vests Prevents Hip Bone Loss in Postmenopausal Women

^a Bone Research Laboratory, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon

Christine M. Snow, Director, Bone Research Laboratory, Women\|[apos ]\|s Building 13, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR 97331 E-mail: christine.snow{at}orst.edu.

Decision Editor: John E. Morley, MB, BCh

Background. Bone mineral density (BMD) is a primary risk factor for hip fracture. We studied the effect of long-term weighted vest plus jumping exercise on hip BMD in postmenopausal women as a strategy for reducing hip fracture risk.

Methods. Eighteen postmenopausal women (age = 64.1 ± 1.6 years at baseline, 69.9 ± 1.6 years at post-testing) who had participated in a 9-month exercise intervention volunteered for the long-term trial. Nine of the original group engaged in weighted vest plus jumping exercise three times per week for 32 weeks of the year over a period of 5 years. Nine of the original controls were active but not enrolled in the exercise program. BMD of the proximal femur was assessed by dual energy x-ray absorptiometry at baseline and after 5 years.

Results. At baseline, groups were similar for age, weight, height, years past menopause, and BMD of the femoral neck, trochanter, and total hip. At follow-up, differences in BMD at all regions of the hip were higher in exercisers than controls. For exercisers, changes in BMD were +1.54% ± 2.37%, -0.24% ± 1.02%, and -0.82% ± 1.04% (means + SE) at the femoral neck, trochanter, and total hip, respectively; controls decreased at all sites (-4.43% ± 0.93%, -3.43% ± 1.09%, and -3.80% ± 1.03%, respectively).

Conclusions. A 5-year program of weighted vest plus jumping exercise maintains hip BMD by preventing significant bone loss in older postmenopausal women. Furthermore, this particular program appears to promote long-term adherence and compliance, as evidenced by the commitment of the exercisers for more than 5 years.

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