Medical-Fitness Technician
Certification Course
Part B: Exercise & Patho-Physiology (LM:11-24)
Certification Course
Part B: Exercise & Patho-Physiology (LM:11-24)
Learning Module 18:
Exercise & Osteoporosis
Exercise & Osteoporosis
Study the Learning Module with the Video and take the Quiz.
Learning Objectives
- Know the definition and prevalence of osteoporosis.
- Know some of the complications of osteoporosis.
- Understand the relationship between exercise and osteoporosis.
Definition: Osteoporosis (aka: thinning bones) is a disease process characterized by abnormalities in the amount and architectural arrangement of bone tissue (low bone mass/density) that leads to impaired skeletal strength and a higher susceptibility to fractures.
Progression of Osteoporosis
Complications: The clinical consequence of low bone mass/density is fracture.
Mortality Rates 1 year following Hip Fracture:
Prevalence: Statistics for the prevalence of osteoporosis is only available in Caucasian post-menopausal women because of a lack of diagnostic criteria for men and for women of other ethnicities. The prevalence of osteoporosis for post-menopausal women in the US is:
- For every one standard deviation below peak bone mass the risk of hip fracture is 2.0 times that of normal bone mass,
- For every one standard deviation below peak bone mass the risk of vertebral fracture is 2.5 times that of normal bone mass,
- Pain and immobility result from fractures, most commonly of the hip, forearm, wrist, and vertebrae.
- Multiple vertebral fractures result in irreversible spinal deformity and chronic pain syndromes.
- Hip fractures result in institutionalization and excess mortality.
Mortality Rates 1 year following Hip Fracture:
- 20% in individuals < age 70 years
- 30% for ages 70-79 years
- 40% for ages 80-89
Prevalence: Statistics for the prevalence of osteoporosis is only available in Caucasian post-menopausal women because of a lack of diagnostic criteria for men and for women of other ethnicities. The prevalence of osteoporosis for post-menopausal women in the US is:
- 14% of women aged 50-59 years
- 22% of women aged 60-69 years
- 39% of women aged 70-79 years
- 70% of women aged 80+ years
Prevention & Treatment: Bone loss is a natural consequence of aging, but can be minimized by a healthy lifestyle. If untreated, osteoporosis causes bone fractures that result in loss of independence and low quality of life. Preventive and treatment strategies are available, thus making bone health an appropriate part of primary medical care and self-care by way of a healthy and active lifestyle before age 30 and therapeutic lifestyle change as indicated as soon as possible.
Proper nutrition with adequate Calcium and Vitamin D, plus weight-bearing physical activity in childhood and the teen years prevents most cases of osteoporosis and hip fracture in later years for men and women of all ethnicities. Exercise throughout the lifespan, and even after menopause for Caucasian women at highest risk for osteoporosis helps prevent hip fracture.
Proper nutrition with adequate Calcium and Vitamin D, plus weight-bearing physical activity in childhood and the teen years prevents most cases of osteoporosis and hip fracture in later years for men and women of all ethnicities. Exercise throughout the lifespan, and even after menopause for Caucasian women at highest risk for osteoporosis helps prevent hip fracture.
Relationship between Exercise & Osteoporosis
Conclusion: Exercise helps prevent hip fracture due to osteoporosis.