Randomised controlled trial of effect of high-impact exercise on selected risk factors for osteoporotic fractures

Background Osteoporotic fractures among the elderly are common, and without preventive measures the burden of these fractures on health-care systems will increase further. The purpose of this randomised controlled study was to evaluate, in premenopausal women, the effects of high-impact loading on several determinants of osteoporotic fractures. Methods 98 healthy, sedentary female volunteers aged 35–45 years were randomly assigned to either a training (n-49) or a control group (n-49). Progressive high-impact exercises were done three times per week for 18 months. We measured bone mineral density (BMD) in specific axial and lower-limb sites, by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry, at baseline and after 12 and 18 months. Maximum isometric strength, muscular and cardiovascular performance, and dynamic balance were also assessed. Findings BMD at the femoral neck, a weightbearing site, increased significantly more in the training group (mean 16% [95% CI 08–24]) than in the control group (06% [−0 2 to 14], p −0006). By contrast, at non-weightbearing sites, such as the distal radius, there was no significant difference between the training and control groups (−1 5% [−27 to −03] vs −07% [−19 to −05], p=060). In the training group there was a significant improvement in vertical jump and predicted oxygen consumption per min at maximum exercise compared with controls. Interpretation High-impact exercises that load bones with a rapidly rising force profile in versatile movements improve skeletal integrity, muscular performance, and dynamic balance in premenopausal women. If done on a regular basis, this type of exercise may help decrease the risk of osteoporotic fractures in later life. Long-term studies are required to show whether these 18-month results can be translated into long-term benefit.