Abstract
The aim of the current study was to examine the effects of light- to moderate intensity aerobic exercise on bone mineral density (BMD) in postmenopausal osteopenic women by using bone formation and resorption markers. In the current study, P1NP and CTX levels increased in both the exercise and the control group. The aim of the current study was to examine the effects of light- to moderate-intensity aerobic exercise on bone mineral density (BMD) in postmenopausal osteopenic women by using rapidly responsive bone formation and resorption markers. PURPOSE: In this prospective, randomized, controlled, single-blind clinical study, women aged 45-65 years with BMD T scores between - 1 and - 2.5 measured by double X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) were included after evaluation of exclusion criteria and the women were divided into 2 groups: aerobic exercise group and control group (exercise, n = 25; control, n = 25). At baseline and at the 12-week follow-up, the serum levels of bone formation and resorption biomarkers, including procollagen type 1 N-terminal propeptide (P1NP), cross-linked C-telopeptide of type I collagen (CTX), osteocalcin, oxidative markers such as malondialdehyde, nonbone-specific total alkaline phosphatase, 25(OH)D3, and parathyroid hormone (PTH), were examined in all patients. RESULTS: A statistically significant increase in P1NP and CTX levels was noted in both the exercise and control groups at the 12-week evaluation compared to baseline (p > 0.05). Although there was no significant change in osteocalcin levels in the control group (p > 0.05), a statistically significant increase was observed in the exercise group (p < 0.05). In the exercise group, no significant changes were observed in bone formation or resorption markers, including P1NP, CTX, osteocalcin, and total ALP, or in oxidative stress markers, such as malondialdehyde, compared to those in the control group (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: In conclusion, the current study revealed that regular walking exercise of light to moderate intensity significantly contributes to improvements in pain, walking speed, balance, lower extremity dynamic balance, and activities of daily living in postmenopausal women with osteopenia compared to inactive individuals. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Clinical Trial Number NCT06866561.