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Int J Sports Med 1990; 11(3): 208-214
DOI: 10.1055/s-2007-1024793
© Georg Thieme Verlag Stuttgart · New York

The Effect of High Level Physical Activity (8.5 METs or greater) and Estrogen Replacement Therapy Upon Bone Mass in Postmenopausal Females, Aged 50-68 Years

J. E. Ballard1 , B. C. McKeown2 , H. M. Graham1 , S. A. Zinkgraf3 *
  • 1The University of Texas at Tyler, 3900 University Blvd. Tyler, Texas 75701
  • 2The University of Texas at Arlington
  • 3The University of Texas Health Center at Tyler
* Since this study was completed, Dr. Zinkgraf has relocated to Motorola Anc., Seguin, Texas. This study was supported by The University of Texas at Tyler-Faculty Research Grant # 86.
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Publication History

Publication Date:
14 March 2008 (online)

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Abstract

The purpose of this study was to assess the effect of physical activity (PA) and estrogen therapy (ET) upon bone mass at the 1/3 and 4 mm distal radial sites in 50 postmemopausal females. The Ss (x̄ age = 57.4±5.4 yrs) completed: 1) activity and gynecological surveys, 2) Balke treadmill tests (85% of age determined HR), and 3) single photon absorptiometry measurements of the radius. The activity surveys and treadmill tests were used to categorize Ss into high (8.5 METs or greater, n = 27) and low (6.0 METs or less. n = 23) physical activity groups (HPA/LPA), and the gynecological surveys were used to distinguish Ss who were on estrogen therapy (n = 17) and those who had never been on estrogen therapy (n = 33). Data revealed the BMC group had significantly higher BMC (g/cm) and BMC/BW (g/cm2) at the 1/3 distal radial site than the LPA group (.834 g/cm to .721 g/cm, p < .01; and .698 g/cm2 to .653 g/cm2, p < .06, respectively) but were not significantly different at the 4 mm distal site. The ET group had a significantly higher bone mass than the never on ET group for BMC/BW at the 4 mm site (.907 g/cm to .809 g/cm p < .027). It was concluded that high level physical activity (8.5 METs or greater) or estrogen therapy was helpful in reducing the risk of bone loss in postmenopausal women.

Key words

Postmenopausal osteoporosis - estrogens - exercise therapy - body weight - metabolic bone diseases