High-intensity, impact, strength training may preserve bone health in postmenopausal women

Bone mineral density in postmenopausal women appears to increase with high-intensity, impact, or strength training, according to a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Researchers searched multiple online databases for randomized controlled trials evaluating the effects of high-intensity, impact, or strength training vs a control intervention on bone mineral density in postmenopausal women. Trials involving premenopausal women were also included.

Participant and study characteristics, as well as outcomes data were extracted. The quality of the studies was assessed using the Physiotherapy Evidence Database scale, while the risk of bias was evaluated using the RoB 2 tool.

Eight randomized controlled trials involving 379 participants met the inclusion criteria and were included in the meta-analysis. Of these trials, six were conducted in postmenopausal women (n=267) and two in premenopausal women (n=112).

Pooled data showed that high-intensity, impact, and strength training was associated with small but significant effects on bone mineral density at the femoral neck (effect size, 0.47; p=0.014; n=141) and lumbar spine (effect size, 0.36; p=0.012; n=182) in postmenopausal women only. No beneficial effects were observed in premenopausal women.

The researchers highlighted the need for more studies to determine whether more robust protocols would generate stronger effects in premenopausal women and whether there are different osteogenic responses to exercise in post- and premenopausal populations.