Research Says Walking Is an Ideal Activity for People With Osteoporosis

A study published in the Health & Fitness Journal of Canada determined walking to be the most preferred physical activity of people with osteoporosis, while also being an ideal form of exercise for them, reports Medical Xpress . Brock University Kinesiology Professor Philip Wilson says physical activity's benefits include better fitness, weight loss, improved strength and quality of life, and "a substantial level of bone integrity when combined with the right medications." Wilson and colleagues analyzed data from the 2009 Canadian Community Health Survey, and found more than 60 percent of both men and women listed walking as their most frequent activity. "Gardening and yardwork were done by about 35 to 45 percent of respondents, depending on whether they were male or female, and 22 to 23 percent identified home-based exercises," Wilson notes. "Then the numbers drop off really dramatically." According to Wilson, this research offers insights to inform healthcare providers' design of exercise programs for people with osteoporosis. "The biggest recommendation is, if you want to get, or keep, these people active, you might want to start developing walking programs because it seems that is what this cohort is telling us they want to do," he says.