ENHANCED BALANCE AND BONE MINERAL DENSITY ASSOCIATED WITH DIFFERENT EXERCISE TRAINING PROGRAMS IN OLDER WOMEN

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to compare the alterations in postural stability and bone mineral density (BMD) after 3 different exercise interventions. 94 women were randomly assigned to either a resistance exercise group (RE), aerobic exercise group (AE), combined weight-bearing exercise group (CE) or control group. Training was performed for 8 months. RE and AE interventions were conducted 3 days/week and CE only 2 days/week. After 8 months, all exercise training groups had improved dynamic and static balance. RE significantly improved BMD at the trochanter while CE significantly improved femoral neck BMD. In summary, all exercise interventions demonstrate to protect against postural instability that is strongly related to fall risk. Moreover, 8 months of RE may be more effective than AE and CE for inducing favourable changes in BMD and lean mass.