Abstract

Forty-four postmenopausal women, aged 48-78, at risk for primary osteoporosis, underwent bone mineral density examination by forearm single photon absorptiometry. To assess bone mass changes due to different treatments, women were distributed into 4 groups: strengthening exercises, strengthening and weightbearing aerobic exercises, salmon spray calcitonin and control. Mineral percentage changes in each group after 12 and 24 months indicated: a) significant worsening (-3.4%, - 7.9%) in control group; b) not significant worsening in calcitonin treated group (-2.2%, -4.4%) and in general muscle strengthening group (-1.7%, -0.9%); c) amelioration (+1%, +1.9%), not significant, in the group that performed both muscle strengthening and aerobic weightbearing exercises. Finally, aerobic weightbearing may be effective in postmenopausal women at risk for primary osteoporosis. Verf.-Referat