Impact of Exercise on Post-menopausal Bone Health and Quality of Life-A Systemic Review

Abstract

Background: Osteoporosis is a progressive disease commonly observed in postmenopausal women, characterized by a reduction in bone mass and density, which significantly heightens the risk of fractures. Conducted in accordance with PRISMA guidelines, it employed a comprehensive search strategy across PubMed, Google Scholar, and Embase. The review focused on randomized controlled trials (RCTs) investigating exercise interventions aimed at improving bone mineral density (BMD) and quality of life in postmenopausal osteoporotic women without a history of fractures. Study quality was assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias tool. The findings highlight that exercise interventions significantly enhance both BMD and overall quality of life in this population. The types of exercise interventions analyzed in the studies varied widely, including Tai Chi, high-intensity aerobic exercises, Modified Eight Section Brocade, progressive slow loading low-impact exercises, Pilates, and closed kinetic exercises. However, four studies were limited by small sample sizes, and three studies featured relatively short intervention durations. Due to the heterogeneity of the studies, a meta-analysis was not feasible. This highlights the need for further experimental trials with rigorous methodological designs to reduce the risk of bias and strengthen the evidence base. The existing evidence strongly supports the positive effects of exercise on the management of postmenopausal osteoporosis, highlighting the importance of further research to establish more conclusive findings.