Effects of weight lifting on bone mineral density in premenopausal women.

A group of 68 premenopausal women participated in a controlled 12 month exercise program. Two groups were matched according to age, body size (body mass index), and typical activity level. Data collection included bone mineral density (BMD) of the lumbar spine with dual-photon absorptiometry and of the os calcis with single-photon absorptiometry, lean body mass, urinary calcium/creatinine, and urinary gamma-carboxyglutamic acid (Gla). Subjects were given a daily 500 mg supplement of elemental calcium. There was no significant difference between groups in terms of diet, in urinary calcium/creatinine or Gla, or in lean body mass. The weight lifting group had a nonsignificant increase in mean lumbar BMD of 0.81% and the control group exhibited a nonsignificant decrease of 0.5%. However, a paired t-test revealed a significant change in the means in either group or as matched pairs. The relatively small change seen as a result of this modified Nautilus exercise program may prevent moderate weight lifting from being a practical answer for osteoporosis, even in a highly motivated population.

Oxygen consumption during calisthenic exercise in women with coronary artery disease.

The purpose of this study was to compare the oxygen consumption (VO2) during calisthenic exercises in middle-aged women (aged 43-63 years) with and without coronary artery disease (CAD). Indirect calorimetry was used to measure VO2 in 15 healthy women and 15 women with CAD. Four exercises were performed for three minutes each before measurements of VO2 were taken. The exercises were 1) sitting knee extension, 2) standing hip flexion, 3) an upper extremity range-of-motion exercise, and 4) lateral trunk flexion. Using an analysis of covariance, no significant difference was found in VO2 between the two groups; however, there was a significant difference among the four exercises. Oxygen consumption was lowest for both groups during the knee extension and the lateral trunk flexion exercises; both groups demonstrated the highest levels for VO2 during the hip flexion exercise. This study provides evidence that the energy cost of these low-intensity calisthenics is similar for healthy women and women with CAD.

Obstetrical physical therapy. Review of the literature.

The purpose of this article is to review the literature regarding physical therapy services for pregnant women. Specific services discussed are 1) posture evaluation, 2) treatment of musculoskeletal dysfunction, 3) stress management through relaxation training, and 4) exercise physiology application. Increased education of physical therapists about the specific needs of pregnant women will enhance the quality of physical therapy that obstetrical patients receive.