High-Intensity Exercise Builds Bone in Older Men

The LIFTMOR-M study published in Bone found that high-intensity exercise regimens can strengthen bone in older men, reports Medscape . The regimen, which has demonstrated improved bone density and performance in women, incorporates barbell-based weightlifting and impact training involving jumping chin-ups. The researchers enrolled 93 men — mean age 67.1 years — with a lower than average proximal femur areal bone mineral density. Thirty-four were randomized to a high-intensity resistance and impact (HiRIT) program, 33 to supervised machine-based isometric axial compression (IAC) exercise training, and 26 were controls and self-selected to usual activities. The regimen included eight months of twice-weekly, supervised, 30-minute HiRIT sessions. At the conclusion of those eight months, there was no difference in compliance between the two intervention cohorts. Those in the HiRIT group had better medial femoral neck cortical thickness than the controls and IAC group, and they also maintained distal tibia trabecular area while the control group had a decrease. The IAC group exhibited no improvement in bone strength in any of the sites examined, though some findings suggest it may offset age-related loss in bone strength indices in the distal tibia and radius.