New thesis on osteoporosis and physical exercise in older women
Physical exercise is an important part of osteoporosis treatment, but which type of training gives the best results? A new thesis compares the machine-based training method OsteoStrong with traditional multicomponent training in older women.
What is the mainfocus of your thesis?
”Osteoporosis and physical exercise in older women: a comparison of machine-based isometric exercise, OsteoStrong (OS), and dynamic multicomponent exercise (DME) with respect to bone strength and physical function”, says Peter Lindberg, doctoral student at the Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society.
What are the most important results?
”The findings suggest that both OS and DME show potential in maintaining aspects of bone strength as well as improving physical function. Because DME produced greater improvements in balance, gait speed, and back extensor endurance, it may remain the preferred option when the goal is to enhance physical function and reduce the risk of falls. However, OS may serve as a possible complement to DME, e.g. for people who have mobility issues or prefer that type of setting. Additional research is needed to draw more firm conclusions about the efficacy and safety of OS”.
How can this knowledge help improve people’s health?
”The findings suggest that both OS and DME show potential in maintaining aspects of bone strength as well as improving physical function. Because DME produced greater improvements in balance, gait speed, and back extensor endurance, it may remain the preferred option when the goal is to enhance physical function and reduce the risk of falls. However, OS may serve as a possible complement to DME, e.g. for people who have mobility issues or prefer that type of setting. Additional research is needed to draw more firm conclusions about the efficacy and safety of OS”.
”The qualitative findings highlight the importance of considering psychosocial factors such as enjoyment, social interaction, convenience and instructor support when prescribing exercise. Our findings support a person-centered approach that aligns exercise interventions with patients' preferences, capabilities and motivations”.
What’s in the future for you? Will you continue to conduct research?
”I will continue my research within the same project on a part-time basis. I have recently joined a new research group at Karolinska Institutet, within the Division of Physiotherapy, where I will undertake a postdoctoral position focused on developing and evaluating a new home rehabilitation framework, Re@home, including its effects, user experiences, and implementation. In addition, I will be involved in teaching activities at Karolinska Institutet”.