| Abstract: |
This article explores the impact of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and resistance training on the spine bone mineral density (BMD) in postmenopausal women. The author reviews evidence that physical activity of sufficient loading can stimulate bone and muscle formation enough to reduce or attenuate age-related osteoporosis and sarcopenia. The author reports on a study that focused on two specific types of exercises, the squat and the deadlift, as ways to reduce bone resorption at the hip and spine. The study, undertaken to investigate the independent and combined effects of resistance training and HRT, examined the bone response to these two site-specific free-weight exercises performed 2 days per week, plus HRT, in early postmenopausal women. The study included four groups: resistance training without HRT (n = 35), resistance training with HRT (n = 37), HRT without resistance training (n = 35), and controls (n = 34). Results showed that, regardless of HRT status, free-weight squat and deadlift exercises performed 2 days per week prevented bone loss at the spine in this group of early postmenopausal women. The author concludes that regular participation in a resistance training program could potentially decrease the dosage of drugs required to induce bone formation in ways that enhance efficacy and also reduce the risk of side effects associated with drug therapies. 5 figures. 3 tables. 32 references. |