Effect of 12-Month Resistance Training on Quality of Life in Postmenopausal Women with Osteopenia or Osteoporosis: a Pilot Study

Abstract

The impact of a resistance training program on improving the quality of life is not well established. The present study aimed to evaluate the effects of 12-month resistance training in quality of life in women with postmenopausal osteoporosis or osteopenia. Ten women with postmenopausal osteopenia/osteoporosis were divided into a exercise group and control group. The training program included exercises for upper and lower limb muscles with intensities of 50 –70% of 1RM over a period of 12 months. The quality of life was evaluated before and at the end of the study using the Quality of life questionnaire of the European Foundation for Osteoporosis (QUALEFFO-41). A significant improvement was noted in the quality of life in four of the seven parameters for exercise group compared to control group: pain, social activities, general health and mental function. Resistance training program for women with postmenopausal osteopenia/osteoporosis provides quality of life improvement.