What does physical activity have to do
with fracture risk in older adults?
Epidemiological studies suggest that habitual exercise
participation is associated with a reduction in osteoporotic
fracture risk of up to 50% in older men and women. Currently,
randomized controlled trials have only examined the efficacy
of exercise in preventing spinal fractures, and this remains an
important gap in our knowledge. However, what optimal physical
activity participation clearly can do is maximize the attainment
of peak bone mass and attenuate age- and menopause-related
bone loss, as well as improve the risk factor profile associated with
osteoporotic fracture in older adults (such as low muscle mass and
strength, poor gait and balance, and depression).