Osteoporosis is characterized by low bone mass and microarchitectural deterioration of bone tissue leading to an increased risk of fractures. The global burden of osteoporosis is heavy and can be compared with other chronic noncommunicable diseases. In Slovenia, the prevalence of osteoporosis in women over 50 is at 27.5 %. At the age of 50 there is a 40–53 % chance a woman of white race will suffer an osteoporotic hip, vertebral or wrist fracture by the end of her life.
One of the best ways to maintain the bone mass is physical activity which increases the physical demands placed on the bone. Strength training is one of the activities that are increasingly used to maintain or even increase mineral density of the bone. We have studied whether the strength exercises in women with osteoporosis affect the course of the disease, the differences between the different forms of exercise for strength and it’s contraindications.
We reviewed the literature and previous work in the chosen field. Most research has shown that strength training increases bone mass and reduces the risk of falls in elderly population. We have found that the maximum load is more associated with an increase in bone density than with the number of repetitions with a lighter load. This was taken into account in the design of tutorial program for 60-year-old woman with osteoporosis. We have identified exercises that are contraindicated and excluded them from the training program. Regular, lifelong exercise (with a regulated diet), performed parallel to the pharmacological treatment, is important.
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