[ comparison of 6-week resistance training and pulsed electromagnetic field on TALP, CA, P, cortisol, and anthropometric parameters in osteoporotic postmenopausal women]

Considering the high sensitivity of bone to mechanical stimulations, one of the potential ways of impressing bone tissue in clinical perspective, is applying physical and mechanical loads. In this study, we compared the effect of progressive resistive exercise versus pulsed electromagnetic fields on total ALP, calcium, phosphorus and cortisol, and anthropometric variables in primary postmenopausal osteoporotic women. Thirty estrogen-deficient postmenopausal women were assigned randomly to pulsed electromagnetic field therapy [PEMF], resistance training [RT], and control groups. Treatment in the PEMF group consisted of 45 min induction of rectangular wave with frequency of 30 Hz and intensity of 40 Gauss; the RT group consisted of performing trunk, upper and lower body resistance exercises that progressed during 6 weeks from 50% to 85% 1RM, for approximately 45 min, 3 days/week. Throughout this duration of six weeks, the control group was requested not to change their physical activity routines and dietary intakes. Blood total ALP, Ca2+, P, and cortisol was measured before and after 6 weeks. After 6 weeks of PEMF or RT, total ALP increased significantly in the control group. Fat mass was significantly decreased in RT group after 6 weeks and increased significantly in controls. In all groups serum Ca, P, and cortisol showed no significant changes after 6 weeks. Regarding the increase of total ALP in the RT and PEMF groups, it seems that PEMF can be used instead of RT for improving bone metabolism in high risk, severely osteoporotic patients

[ effect of 6-week submaximal training with and without external loading on cardiovascular fitness, balance, cortisol, and lipid profiles in osteoporotic postmenopausal women]

Introduction: The purpose of this study was to compare submaximal aerobic exercise with and without external loading on physical fitness, balance and blood lipids in osteoporotic postmenopausal women

Materials and Methods: Twenty-seven volunteer osteoporotic postmenopausal women were randomly divided into three groups: aerobic [n=8], weighted vest [n=9], and control [n=10]. Training consisted of 18 sessions of submaximal aerobic walking on the treadmill 30 min daily for 3 times a week. [3 min warm-up, 24 min training with 50-60% Heart rate reserve [HRR], and 3 min cool down]. In the weighted vest group, subjects wore a weighted vest [4-8% of body weight]. Body composition, balance and, cardiovascular fitness parameters were measured before and after training and blood lipids and cortisol hormone levels were also assessed

Results: Fat decreased and lean mass increased significantly in the weighted vest group [P=0.027 and P=0.005 respectively]. HRrest and BPrest significantly decreased in the weighted vest and aerobic groups, respectively. After training, balance criteria increased significantly in the weighted vest and aerobic groups, but decreased in the control group. Cortisol levels showed a significant decrease in training groups. Lipid level changes were not significant

Conclusion: Results of this study showed the weighted vest training is better to improve physical fitness and balance in osteoporotic postmenopausal women. Cortisol depression after submaximal aerobic exercise may be effective in maintenance of bone mass in postmenoposal women