Heavy, Explosive Strength Training For Postmenopausal Women With Osteoporosis: A Pilot Study

• Published in: Medicine and science in sports and exercise Vol. 44; no. 5S; p. 277
• Main Authors: Mosti, Mats P, Kaehler, Nils, Stunes, Astrid K, Hoff, Jan, Syversen, Unni
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: 01-05-2012
• ISSN: 0195-9131

The present study investigated the effects of a heavy, explosive strength training programme on physical capacity, bone mineral density (BMD) and content (BMC) in postmenopausal women diagnosed with osteoporosis or osteopenia. Twentyone women with osteoporosis or osteopenia (t-score < -1.5 in hip or spine) were randomized to a training group (TG, n=10) or control group (CG, n=11). The TG underwent 12 weeks of supervised strength training in a squat machine, at an intensity of approximately five repetitions maximum, with emphasis on explosive initiation of the concentric part of movement. One participant was excluded in the TG and four participants withdrew (one in the TG and three in the CG). 1RM and RFD were significantly improved in the TG with 154+ or -75% and 52+ or -46%, respectively (p<0.05). No significant changes were observed in the CG.