Exercise in the prevention and management of osteoporosis.

Osteoporosis, characterized by bone loss, is a serious disease affecting millions of elderly women. Current research suggests that regular exercise plays an important role in its prevention. Physical therapists treat many patients who are at risk for developing osteoporosis or who already have the disease. To provide optimum patient care, physical therapists must be knowledgeable about the disease process and the role of exercise in its prevention and management. To meet this need, I have provided a brief overview of the literature on osteoporosis. The structure and dynamic nature of bone are discussed. Factors influencing the development of osteoporosis are identified. Studies dealing with the response of bone to mechanical stress in athletes, in addition to the role of exercise in the prevention of osteoporosis, are reviewed. Finally, recommendations are made for postural training and for extension and weight-bearing exercises in the management of the patient with symptomatic osteoporosis.