Impact of exercise modalities on bone health: a meta-analysis of aerobic, resistance, and combined training on bone mineral density in postmenopausal women

Abstract

Summary

The prevalence of osteoporosis, particularly among the elderly population and postmenopausal women (PMW), remains a significant public health concern. Women aged 50 to 60 years are especially vulnerable to osteoporosis-related bone loss, emphasizing the need for preventative measures and early intervention.

Purpose

This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the impact of aerobic, resistance, and combined training on bone mineral density (BMD) in PMW aged 50 to 60 years.

Methods

A systematic search of six databases (Web of Science, Embase, Cochrane, PubMed, Google Scholar, and Scopus) was conducted. The review was registered in PROSPERO (CRD42024569040). Risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane RoB 2 tool. A random-effects model was used to calculate mean differences (MDs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs).

Results

Forty studies with 2,230 participants were included. All exercise modalities significantly improved BMD at the lumbar spine (MD = 0.02 g/cm²; p < 0.001), total hip (MD = 0.01 g/cm²; p < 0.001), femoral neck (MD = 0.01 g/cm²; p < 0.001), trochanter (MD = 0.02 g/cm²; p < 0.001), and total body (MD = 0.00 g/cm²; p = 0.002).

Conclusion

Regular exercise, particularly combined aerobic and resistance training, is an effective non-pharmacological strategy to mitigate bone loss and promote skeletal health in PMW.