Women aged 55-75 needed for osteoporosis research

20 November

• For Staff and Students

We are inviting postmenopausal women to take part in a new research study at the School of Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences. The study aims to evaluate the effects of a 12-month, brief home exercise programme on bone structure in postmenopausal women, both with and without osteoporosis treatment. We will explore whether the effects differ between women who take osteoporosis medication and those who do not.

While similar exercise programmes have been shown to improve bone strength in various populations, this research is the first to specifically examine whether exercise could enhance the effects of medications. The findings aim to provide valuable insights into managing osteoporosis and reducing the risk of related fractures.

The study consists of:

• Measurement sessions: we will invite you to visit Loughborough University to collect study measurements at the beginning, at the mid-point (6 months), and at the end of the 12-month training period, with each visit expected to last no more than two hours. Additionally, we will ask you to visit Glenfield Hospital, Leicester, at both the beginning and end of the study to undergo a bone scan using computed tomography (CT) scan.
  
• We will hold weekly group exercise sessions at Loughborough University and would like you to try to join at least once a fortnight at the beginning of the study to check that you are exercising correctly and whether you are ready to increase to the next level. We will offer the option to join online.

Eligibility:

• Women aged 55-75 years old
  
• >4 years since menopause/hysterectomy/oophorectomy.
  
• Baseline femoral neck or lumber spine BMD T-score between -1 and -3.
  
• Able to complete the hopping exercises.
  
• Have no regular involvement for more than once/week in:
  • Strength, powerlifting or high-load resistance exercise.
    
  • High to moderate impact exercise that is known to involve ground reaction forces 2 to 4 times greater than body weight (eg Jogging).
• Treatment group: taking antiresorptive treatment for osteoporosis continuously for at least 12 months, and who intend to continue this medication for the rest of the study.
  
• Control group: not taking any medication affecting bone, and no intention to commence such medication for the rest of the study.

The exclusion criteria:

• Body mass index (BMI) >35 kg/m2
  
• Any medical condition, surgery, or injuries that contraindicate exercises, including lower limb or back pain, knee or hip osteoarthritis
  
• Hip replacement

If you are interested in participating, please get in touch with BEATOP@mailbox.lboro.ac.uk or call 01509226207 for further details.

You can also check your eligibility by completing the screening questionnaire.

Kind regards,

Nora Alohaly, Doctoral researcher, SSEHS (n.alohaly@lboro.ac.uk) and Professor Katherine Brook-Wavell (K.S.F.Brooke-wavell@lboro.ac.uk)

Posted by Nora Alohaly