SB: Promoting Bone Health in Women

The Strong Bones Project is a randomized controlled trial (RCT) investigating the effects of Multicomponent Training (MCT) on bone mineral density (BMD), quality of life, and risk of osteoporosis in women.

The study adopts a hybrid approach combining cross-sectional observational analyses and randomized experimental interventions. Participants will be randomly allocated to an intervention group and a control group, allowing comparison of the impacts of MCT.

The interventions include a structured physical exercise program, with three distinct approaches:

• In-Person Supervised Multicomponent Training (MCT In-Person)
• Control Group (No active intervention, only clinical monitoring)

Training sessions will include aerobic, resistance, balance, and flexibility exercises, following the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) guidelines for osteoporosis prevention.

Data collection will include:

• Sociodemographic data
• Bone mineral density (BMD), assessed by DXA (Dual-Energy X-ray Absorptiometry)
• Functional fitness tests (e.g. handgrip strength test)

Participants will be followed for 6 months, with monthly assessments to monitor the progression of clinical variables.

Expected results include improved bone density, reduced risk of fractures, and improved quality of life.

The findings will be disseminated through scientific publications in peer-reviewed journals and presentations at international conferences on bone health and physical exercise.

This study seeks to contribute to the formulation of personalized physical exercise guidelines for the prevention of osteoporosis, especially in premenopausal women and men at intermediate risk of the disease.

Inclusion criteria

• Age range: Women over 65 years of age. Clinical diagnosis:

Previous diagnosis of osteoporosis confirmed by DXA (T-score between -1.0 and -2.5 for osteopenia and ≤ -2.5 for osteoporosis).

• Ability to exercise: Medical clearance to participate in the exercise program. and ability to perform moderate-impact physical activities and muscular endurance.
• Level of physical activity: Sedentary women or women with low to moderate levels of physical activity, without regular practice of specific exercises for bone health in the last 6 months.
• Agreement to the study: Signing of the Free and Informed Consent Form (FICF) and availability to participate in the training program for 6 months.

Exclusion criteria

• Advanced clinical diagnosis: T-score below -3.0 (severe osteoporosis with high risk of fractures); History of severe osteoporotic fracture in the last 6 months.
• Associated diseases or conditions: Uncontrolled metabolic or endocrine diseases that affect bone metabolism (e.g., hyperparathyroidism, Cushing's syndrome, decompensated diabetes); Active chronic inflammatory diseases (e.g., advanced rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus); Severe chronic renal failure (stages 4 or 5).
• Use of specific medications in the last 12 months: Bisphosphonates, denosumab, teriparatide or strontium ranelate; High-dose glucocorticoids (>5 mg/day for more than 3 months); Recent hormone therapy for osteoporosis.
• Orthopedic or neuromuscular conditions: Severe functional limitation that prevents the performance of physical exercises (e.g., severe osteoarthritis, advanced joint instability, neurological sequelae of stroke); Orthopedic surgery in the last 6 months or indication for elective surgery for the spine or lower limbs.
• Factors that limit adherence to the study: Difficulty in moving that prevents participation in in-person training (for the in-person MCT group); Lack of availability to attend sessions or follow the study protocol; History of low adherence to previous health-related interventions.
• Participation in another clinical study: Women enrolled in clinical trials that may interfere with the results of the study or adherence to the protocol.