Bone Health in Postmenopausal Women: The Effect of Exercise With or Without Medication for Osteoporosis
This research study aims to understand how a short, home-based exercise program impacts bone health in women who have gone through menopause. Many women in this age group are at risk of osteoporosis, a condition where bones become weak and break more easily. Some women take a type of medication to help strengthen their bones. This study will compare the effects of specific hopping exercises on bone strength in two groups: women who are already taking osteoporosis medication and women who are not. Researchers want to see if combining exercise with medication provides extra benefits, or if exercise works differently when medication is involved. The study hopes to find the best ways to keep bones strong and reduce the risk of fractures.
At a glance
What is this study about?
You might have heard of osteoporosis, a common condition where bones become weaker and more fragile, especially after menopause. This means they are more likely to break, even from a minor fall. To help prevent this, many women take special medicines that slow down bone loss. We also know that exercise can play a big part in keeping bones strong and healthy.
This study wants to learn more about how exercise and medication work together. Specifically, it will look at a simple, home-based exercise program involving hopping. Researchers want to find out if this type of exercise is more, less, or equally effective when women are also taking medication for osteoporosis, compared to those who are only exercising. Understanding this could help doctors and patients make better choices about how to keep bones strong and reduce the risk of fractures.
The study will last for 12 months and involves a specific type of exercise that has been shown to be good for bones. By comparing women who are on bone medication with those who aren't, while both groups do the same exercises, we hope to get a clearer picture of the best approach to maintain bone health as we age.
Key takeaways
- Study explores exercise effect on bone health in postmenopausal women.
- Compares exercise with and without osteoporosis medication.
- Focuses on a simple, home-based hopping exercise program.
- Participation lasts 12 months with regular home exercise.
- Aims to find best ways to keep bones strong and prevent fractures.
Who may be eligible?
This study is looking for women between 55 and 75 years old who have been through menopause for at least four years. You should have bone density that shows either healthy bones or some bone thinning, but not severe osteoporosis that would typically mean you've already had multiple fractures.
There are two main groups we're looking for: women who have been consistently taking a specific type of osteoporosis medication for at least 12 months and plan to continue it, and women who are not taking any medication that affects their bones and don't plan to start any during the study period. All participants must be able to do hopping exercises safely.
To ensure the study is safe and effective for everyone, you shouldn't have certain health conditions like severe lower limb or back pain, or a BMI over 35. You also shouldn't regularly do very high-impact exercises like jogging more than once a week, or strength training with very heavy weights.
Could this study suit you?
Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.
- Are you a woman between 55 and 75 years old?
- Have you been through menopause for at least 4 years?
- Can you safely do hopping exercises?
- Do you have healthy bones or some bone thinning, but not severe osteoporosis with multiple fractures?
- Are you either on continuous osteoporosis medication for over 12 months, or not on any bone-affecting medication?
- Do you avoid regular high-impact exercise (like jogging) or heavy weightlifting more than once a week?
What does participation involve?
If you decide to take part, you'll first have an initial screening to make sure the study is right for you. This will involve some scans to check your hip bones (DXA and CT scans), giving a blood sample, a simple hop test, and answering some questions.
Once you're accepted, you'll be shown how to do the exercise – a simple hopping movement. You'll do this exercise at home, starting three days a week and aiming to build up to seven days a week. You'll be asked to do the hopping with only one leg, and which leg that is (right or left) will be decided randomly, like flipping a coin. The study will last for 12 months, and during this time, you shouldn't change your current medication plans if you are in the group taking osteoporosis medicine.
Potential risks and benefits
Locations (1)
- Loughborough UniversityVerified postcodeLoughborough, United Kingdom
Common questions
What kind of exercise will I be doing?
You'll be doing a simple hopping exercise at home, starting three times a week and aiming to do it daily.
Do I need to stop my osteoporosis medication?
No, if you're in the medication group, you need to be consistently taking your assigned treatment and plan to continue it for the whole study.
How long does the study last?
The exercise program and monitoring will continue for 12 months.
Will I have to go to a clinic often?
There will be initial appointments for screening and setup, and then you'll do the exercises at home. Follow-up appointments will be scheduled for measurements.
What happens if I feel pain during the exercises?
If you experience pain or discomfort, you should stop the exercise and inform the study team immediately.
How to find out more
Nora Alohaly, PhD
Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.
Interested in taking part?
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