Bone-Targeted Exercise Strategies to Reduce Fracture Risk in Men

A study in the Journal of Bone and Mineral Research found that high-intensity progressive resistance and impact training (HiRIT) may improve bone mineral density (BMD), body composition, physical function, and muscle strength, while also reducing the risk for fragility fracture in middle-aged and older men with osteopenia and osteoporosis, reports Endocrinology Advisor . The Lifting Intervention for Training Muscle and Osteoporosis Rehabilitation for Men trial aimed to consider how eight months of HiRIT or machine-based isometric axial compression exercise impacted determinants of osteoporotic fracture risk in middle-aged and older men with low BMD, versus a matched control group. Participants included 93 men randomly assigned to HiRIT, isometric axial compression exercise, or a control group with no lifestyle changes. HiRIT had superior effects to those of the control lifestyle for trochanteric and lumbar spine BMD, but no significant between-group differences were seen in percent change for femoral neck BMD. HiRIT also enhanced broadband ultrasound attenuation, stiffness index, lean mass, timed up-and-go, and 5-time sit-to-stand compared with the control lifestyle and measures of muscle strength. Impacts of isometric axial compression exercise were superior to those of the control lifestyle for lean mass and 5-time sit-to-stand, while HiRIT was superior to isometric axial compression exercise for lumbar spine BMD, stiffness index, and 5-time sit-to-stand. No between-group differences were observed in the number of falls, or the number of men who fell, sustained one or more falls, or had recurrent falls. The number of fragility fractures also indicated no between-group differences.