Engaging in a year-long exercise program can help older adults (aged 70 to 85) maintain or even slightly improve the structural properties of their femoral neck despite a decrease in bone mineral density, a recent study at the University of Jyvaskyla in Finland has discovered. The participants, who were previously physically inactive, underwent a multicomponent exercise training intervention.
The femoral neck is the narrow portion of the femur bone just below that “ball” that connects the bone to the hip.
As we age, both the amount and intensity of physical activity tend to decrease, leading to a decline in bone health. However, this study highlights the importance of structured exercises and everyday activities in maintaining bone health. The findings suggest that incorporating bone-loading impact activities into daily routines, such as brisk walks or stair climbing, can be beneficial.
Postdoctoral researcher Tuuli Suominen suggests practical ways to include high-intensity activity in daily life, such as performing jumping-like impacts without actually jumping—by lifting up on tiptoes and then dropping down onto the heels. This simple addition to routine activities can contribute to better bone health, especially in the femoral neck, which is susceptible to fall-related fractures.
The research is part of the PASSWORD study conducted by the Faculty of Sport and Health Sciences and Gerontology Research Centre at the University of Jyvaskyla between 2017 and 2020. Involving 299 participants from Jyvaskyla aged 70 to 85, the study focused on individuals who were less active than recommended before the intervention.
All participants engaged in progressive muscle strength, endurance, balance, and flexibility training, with half also participating in a computer training program focused on information processing skills. Accelerometers measured the amount and intensity of physical activity before and after six months of training, while dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry assessed femoral neck bone density and structural properties before and after the one-year exercise program.
The research findings are published in the journal Bone.
