Publication
Physical Therapy
Date Published
August 2013
Author
Kerstin M. Palombaro, Jill D. Black, Rachelle Buchbinder, Diane U. Jette
Summary
Postmenopausal women who are healthy, may benefit from an exercise program at least 2 to 3 times per week over the course of at least 6 months, and physical therapists should consider helping their clients and patients to plan and design appropriate programs. Although engaging in any type of exercise may be effective in slightly reducing loss of Bone Mineral Density in the spine and femoral trochanter, the most effective type of exercise for reducing loss of BMD in the neck of the femur might be high-force, non– weight-bearing exercise such as progressive resistance training of the lower extremity. A combination exercise regimen seems to be the most effective for reducing loss of BMD in the spine and neck of the femur and reducing risk of fracture, at least in the short term.