Exercise training and bone mineral density in postmenopausal women: an updated systematic review and meta-analysis of intervention studies with emphasis on potential moderators
Abstract
The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was (1) to determine exercise effects on bone mineral density (BMD) in postmenopausal women and (2) to address the corresponding implication of bone and menopausal status or supervision in postmenopausal women. A comprehensive search of eight electronic databases according to the PRISMA statement up to August 9, 2022, included controlled exercise trials ≥ 6 months. BMD changes (standardized mean differences: SMD) at the lumbar spine (LS), femoral neck (FN), and total hip (TH) were considered as outcomes. Study group comparisons were conducted for osteopenia/osteoporosis versus normal BMD, early versus late postmenopausal women, and predominantly supervised versus predominantly non-supervised study arms. We applied an inverse heterogeneity (IVhet) model. In summary, 80 studies involving 94 training and 80 control groups with a pooled number of 5581 participants were eligible. The IVhet model determined SMDs of 0.29 (95% CI: 0.16–0.42), 0.27 (95% CI: 0.16–0.39), and 0.41 (95% CI: 0.30–0.52) for LS, FN, and THBMD, respectively. Heterogeneity between the trial results varied from low ( I ^2 = 20%, TH BMD) to substantial ( I ^2 = 68%, LS-BMD). Evidence for publication bias/small study effects was negligibly low (FN-, TH-BMD) to high (LSBMD). We observed no significant differences ( p > .09) for exercise effects on LS-, FN-, or TH-BMD-LS between studies/study arms with or without osteopenia/osteoporosis, early versus late…
How strong is the evidence?
Evidence Hub reads this as a meta-analysis, done in people. Its evidence level is 1 of 5 (Highest · pooled evidence). Pooled evidence from several studies sits at the top of the evidence pyramid. Reported size: 5,581 participants or records.
Read the paper
Related studies
- Erratum to: The National Osteoporosis Foundation’s position statement on peak bone mass development and lifestyle factors: a systematic review and implementation recommendations
- Association between obesity and risk of fracture, bone mineral density and bone quality in adults: A systematic review and meta-analysis
- Dietary Patterns in Relation to Low Bone Mineral Density and Fracture Risk: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
- Association of obesity with bone mineral density and osteoporosis in adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis
- Falls, fractures, and areal bone mineral density in older adults with sarcopenic obesity: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
- Dietary Patterns, Bone Mineral Density, and Risk of Fractures: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Go deeper in Evidence Hub
Evidence Hub adds a study data sheet (design, sample size, evidence level, key numbers), an AI summary and a chat grounded in the paper's text.