First Advisor
Bradley Wipfli
Date of Award
Spring 6-14-2025
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Public Health Studies: Pre-clinical Health Science and University Honors
Department
OHSU-PSU School of Public Health
Language
English
Subjects
Bone Mineral Density, Exercise, Postmenopausal Women
Abstract
This paper analyzed 20 studies to understand how bone health in postmenopausal women is impacted by different forms of exercise. The primary aspect of bone health examined in this paper is bone mineral density (BMD). Resistance and impact training demonstrated clear signs of maintenance and increases in BMD, particularly in the lumbar spine and femoral neck.1-9 Aquatic exercise demonstrated mixed results in positively impacting BMD in a significant way,10,11 but it’s worth noting that there were still some signs of increased BMD.12 Impact exercise on its own can maintain BMD,13,14 and these effects can be seen in total hip BMD.15,16 Age also seems to play a factor in how BMD is affected by exercise. Postmenopausal women 60 years old and older experienced greater changes in BMD from aerobic exercise and stretching17. This was also the case with postmenopausal women 70 years old and older experienced greater changes in BMD from maintaining a unipedal stance than postmenopausal women younger than 70 years18. Performing a combination of aerobic exercise and strength training has also shown as an effective way to maintain lumbar spine BMD.19,20 Resistance training and impact training are safe, feasible, maintain BMD, and promote healthy aging.
Recommended Citation
McCanless, Jonathan W., "How Different Forms of Exercise Affect Bone Mineral Density in Postmenopausal Women" (2025). University Honors Theses. Paper 1620.