Weight-training and bone mass in post-menopausal women

The effect of weight-training on the skeletal status of 15 post-menopausal women (mean age 55 +/- 6 years) was studied over 10 weeks. Fourteen post-menopausal women (mean age 61 +/- 5 years) currently attending aerobic dance classes acted as 'controls'. Groups were matched on age at, and years since menopause. Bone mineral density (BMD) at the forearm, lumbar spine and hip were measured absorptiometrically. Broadband ultrasound attenuation (BUA) was used to assess skeletal changes at the os calcis. Considerable strength gains were seen in the weight training group, but no significant changes in absorptiometrically assessed BMD were found in either group. There was a significant increase in BUA (+5.4%, P < 0.05) at the os calcis in those who attended greater than or equal to 10 sessions of the weight training programme, and this measure was significantly (P < 0.05) greater than for the controls' post intervention. This study suggests that weight training exercise may positively effect skeletal status at the os calcis in healthy post-menopausal women.