The Effect of Exercise in Postmenopausal Women with Low Bone Density

Inclusion criteria

• Be aged greater than 50 years
• Be at least 5 years post menopause (defined as the last normal menstrual bleed)
• Have osteopenia of the hip defined as a DXA T-score between -1 and -2.5 in one or more regions of the proximal femur (total hip, neck or trochanter regions).
• Have primary osteopenia
• Be community dwelling (not in residential care)
• Be able to attend an exercise program 3 times per week over the 12-month period
• Be able to read and write English

Exclusion criteria

• Secondary causes of bone loss such as osteomalacia, glucocorticoid medication
• Co-morbidities that would interfere with participation in exercise such as severe heart or pulmonary disease, inflammatory joint disease, severe osteoarthritis, psychiatric condition
• Physical or orthopaedic disabilities that would place the subject at risk or limit their ability to perform exercise
• Spinal osteoporosis defined as DXA T-score <-2.5
• A past vertebral fracture
• Body mass index > 35 or < 18.
• Currently on hormone replacement therapy (HRT)
• Current smoker
• Past use of HRT within the past 3 years and for more than 6 months duration
• Taking medication known to affect bone including oestrogen or steroid hormones
• Known clinically significant liver or renal disease
• Cancer within the past 5 years
• Doing regular strength training and/or weight-bearing exercise at least once per week in past 6 months
• Unlikely to comply with the intervention protocol