How Common Is Osteoporosis? And What Problems Can It Cause?
Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW)1 statistics show that there are about 215,000 hospitalisations each year due to osteoporotic fractures in Australia. This number is projected to increase due to our ageing population.
The most common sites of osteoporosis-related fractures are the hip, spine, & wrist. As well as immediate effects these fractures can have serious ongoing consequences. For example one study2 found that the one-year mortality rate following hip fracture in older adults was 22.5% in women & 27.4% in men.
In addition to physical complications, osteoporotic fractures also have psychological effects including depression, anxiety, & loss of independence3,4.
Exercise And Osteoporosis
While medication is essential for osteoporosis management, exercise is now also recognised as a fist-line treatment for osteoporosis. However, given the older demographics associated with osteoporosis plus the psychological effects of osteoporosis (including fear & anxiety following a fracture), many clients are resistant to exercise.
Addressing barriers to exercise compliance is essential if treatment is to be successful. Often just advising people to “be more active”, “walk more” or “join an exercise group” is not effective for two reasons;
1. they are unlikely to begin or maintain a consistent exercise routine without support
2. this general type of exercise often isn’t the most effective for osteoporosis management
These are two reasons why seeing an exercise physiologist can be so helpful for people diagnosed with osteoporosis. Even better, beginning your exercise physiology program earlier, at the osteopenia stage (i.e. before the bone mineral loss is large enough to be classified as osteoporosis), can help prevent the progression to osteoporosis even happening.
Exercise Is Safe & Effective For Osteoporosis Management
Seeing an exercise physiologist is effective & safe for osteoporosis treatment. Exercise physiologists are degree-qualified exercise professionals who are specially trained to prescribe exercise programs for conditions such as osteoporosis and osteopenia. As well as in-person sessions you will be provided with a home program to promote self-management and achieve long term results.
Which Exercise Is Best For Osteoporosis?
Several types of exercise have been shown to be effective in managing osteoporosis. Weight-bearing exercises such as walking, hiking & dancing have been shown to be effective in improving bone density & strength5. Including some impact during exercise, such as foot stomping during step-ups, has been shown to be effective.
Resistance training using weights has also been shown to be effective5, & should be incorporated into osteoporosis exercise programs. Additionally, balance & stability exercises, such as Tai Chi or yoga, have been shown to be effective in improving balance & reducing falls in individuals with osteoporosis7.
The Benefits of Exercise for Osteoporosis
Exercise has been shown to have many benefits for osteoporosis clients. These include improvements in bone mineral density, muscle strength, balance, & overall quality of life.
One study8 found that a multi-component training program with weight-bearing exercises led to significant improvements in bone density, muscle strength, & balance in older women with osteoporosis. Another study9 found that an intense exercise program over two years improved bone density, physical fitness, & blood lipids in postmenopausal women with osteopenia.
As well as physical benefits, exercise has been shown to improve mental health & well-being in individuals with osteoporosis. For example Bennell et al10 found that exercise interventions were associated with improvements in depression & quality of life in individuals with osteoporosis.
Why Should You See An Exercise Physiologist For Management of Osteoporosis?
Exercise physiologists can help clients to management osteoporosis more effectively in many ways including;
1. Increased Exercise Compliance: Having a supervised program plus the encouragement of an exercise professional helps you establish & maintain an exercise routine.
2. Maximum Effectiveness: Personalisation is vital with any exercise program, including for the management of osteoporosis. Prescribing the right combination, frequency & intensity of exercise for each client is a particular strength of our EP team.
Exercise Physiologists In Surry Hills, Sydney
Our exercise physiology team at Central Performance are experts in prescribing exercise programs for conditions including osteoporosis and osteopenia. We are experienced in working with clients of all ages, fitness levels & exercise experience. Our fully-equipped gym has everything you need for your program.
We know that going to a gym can be a new or intimidating experience for some people, especially if you’re not really “gym person”. That’s why we always focus on providing a friendly, comfortable and welcoming environment for you, with coaches who really get to know you and care about your health. When you walk into Central Performance it doesn’t feel like a normal gym. It’s a small, personal & friendly environment where we know all of our clients & you’ll get to know our team in just a session or two.
Is Exercise Physiology Is Covered By Private Health Funds?
Yes. Exercise physiology is covered by all health funds. Simply bring your health fund card & we provide the HICAPS system for on-the-spot health fund rebates. You do not need to see a GP or be referred to exercise physiology to be able to claim your health fund rebate.
Exercise physiology is also available through the Medicare EPC program & DVA (Department of Veterans Affairs) funding. Eligibility criteria apply & a referral from your doctor is required for sessions through these programs. See your GP for more details.
Begin Your Exercise Physiology Program At Central Performance
To get started on simply call us on 9280 2322, or click below for online bookings or to contact us for more information.
Osteoporosis References
1. Aus. Inst. Of Health & Welfare (2023) Chronic musculoskeletal conditions, AIHW, Aus. Government
2. Magaziner, J. et al (2015). Effect of hip # intervention on 1-year clinical outcomes. J. Bone & Min. Res.
3. Kendler, D. et al (2018). Vertebral fractures & association with health-related quality of life in postmenopausal women: Results from the MORE trial. J. American Geriatrics Society, 66(11)
4. Chung, J. Y., et al (2019). Increased risk of depressive disorder following OP #s. OP Int’l, 30(1)
5. Wolff I, et al (1999) Effect of exercise training programs on bone mass: a meta-analysis of published controlled trials in pre- and postmenopausal women. Osteoporosis Int. 9(1)
6. Hernandez-Rodriguez J, et al. Tai chi improves postural control & reduces falls incidence in Parkinson’s disease. NeuroRehabilitation. 2012;31(3)
7. Marques, E. A., et al (2011). Multicomp. training program with weight-bearing ex. elicits favorable bone density, muscle strength, & balance adaptations in older women. Calcified Tissue International, 88(2)
8. Kemmler W, et al (2010) Ex. effect on BMD, falls, coronary risk & health cost in older women. Arch Int. Med.
9. Bennell, K. et al (2013). Ex. in osteoporosis: balancing risks & benefits. Osteoporosis Internat’l, 24(3)
