What are the benefits of strength training for osteoporosis?
Improvements in muscle strength, function, pain and quality of life can be achieved through strength training. Importantly for osteoporosis prevention and management, strength training can maintain or even improve bone mineral density. Reducing the risk of a fracture is an important factor in osteoporosis management. Strength training can reduce the risk of fracture by: • improving bone mineral density • improving muscle strength which can reduce the risk of falls and thus the risk of fracture. Strength training is also beneficial for the prevention and management of other chronic illnesses such as diabetes and heart disease and is useful in the management of arthritis.How to begin The principles of strength training that apply to the healthy population also apply to people with osteoporosis, however more consideration needs to be given to safety aspects surrounding changes in bone strength and previous fractures associated with osteoporosis. Therefore, before commencing a strength tra
