Menopause Osteoporosis and Bone Intervention Using Lifestyle Exercise: A Randomized Controlled Study.

Background: The aim of the study was to examine the feasibility for postmenopausal women of a bone-strengthening jumping intervention, which has been previously successful for premenopausal women. Materials and Methods: Forty-nine participants (mean ± standard deviation [SD] age = 57.8 ± 4.3 years) were randomized into either an exercise intervention or sham-control group in a double-blinded fashion. The intervention consisted of 10 maximal, rest-inserted countermovement jumps, performed three times a week on a hard surface without shoes for 8 months. Sham-control participants performed unilateral balance exercises of equivalent duration. Results: The jumps were well tolerated, with women in the jumping group completing 95% of the prescribed exercise. Of the participants who completed the study ( Conclusions: Recruitment and participation rates were feasible for this duration of study and the exercise was acceptable. For a future study of this nature, 48 participants would be required to ensure adequate power, especially as lifestyle variations and post-menopausal hypoestrogenism prevent substantial gains in bone strength with high-impact exercise.