Small vibrations can improve bone, increase muscle mass
Physical exercise is one of the principal recommendations for preventing and treating osteoporosis, but its effects are hard to assess. No one knows exactly how much of what type of exercise is needed to stimulate bone growth or counteract age-related bone loss, and not everyone responds the same way to the same physical activities. Most exercise programs result in modest bone density gains, about 1%–2%, in premenopausal women; in postmenopausal women, bone benefits are generally measured in bone mass preserved, not gained.
Moderate- to high-intensity regimens can work, but few adults can comply with them long-term, and women who have osteoporosis or are frail or disabled simply cannot participate in them. Most patients must rely on long-term drug therapy, but with the exception of parathyroid hormone, these medications don't actually stimulate new bone formation.
To continue reading this article, you must log in.
Subscribe to Harvard Health Online for immediate access to health news and information from Harvard Medical School.
- Research health conditions
- Check your symptoms
- Prepare for a doctor's visit or test
- Find the best treatments and procedures for you
- Explore options for better nutrition and exercise
I'd like to receive access to Harvard Health Online for only $4.99 a month.
Sign Me UpAlready a member? Login ».
Disclaimer:
As a service to our readers, Harvard Health Publishing provides access to our library of archived content. Please note the date of last review or update on all articles.
No content on this site, regardless of date, should ever be used as a substitute for direct medical advice from your doctor or other qualified clinician.
