Osteoporosis in Australia
Every 5-6 minutes, someone is admitted to an Australian hospital with an osteoporotic fracture. Currently 1 in 2 women and 1 in 3 men over the age of 60 will suffer an osteoporotic fracture and these figures are expected to rise significantly with an ageing population. It is a condition that touches almost everyone in Australian society at some point in their life.
Strong muscle means strong bones
Strength training helps combat osteoporosis because it not only develops muscles and tendons but also builds up bones.
Alongside appropriate medication and the right diet, strength training has been proven to have a profound effect on bone health. Bones respond favourably to the controlled load of strength training by building stronger, denser bone. In addition, strength training improves intra-muscle coordination, reduces muscle response time and improves sensorimotor function, which in turn reduces the risk of falling.
Normal everyday activities simple do not produce enough “strain” to change and increase bone density. Moreover, research has shown that endurance training does not check the progress of osteoporosis. Our training is successful in both the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis. As it relates specifically to bone density, our experience has been that clients start to see beneficial changes (as shown by DEXA scans) after approximately 12 months of consistent, twice weekly training. However, the positive effects of increased strength, endurance, balance and physical condition are noticed much sooner.
Osteoporosis Program
Our Osteoporosis Program is an exercise physiologist led strength training program targeted at reversing the effects of osteoporosis. Our specialised equipment is unique in it’s ability to deliver safe and targeted resistance to the entire body, particularly the spine. The objectives are clear:
to improve bone density,
reduce the risk of falls and
significantly improve quality of life.