Exercise recommendations
- Regular physical activity is a determinant of peak bone mass. Exercise during childhood and adolescence is more effective for increasing bone mass and strength than exercise in adulthood.
- The primary benefit of exercise on the bones of adults is conservation, not acquisition of bone.
- In older individuals exercise can reduce the rate of bone loss and improve fitness and muscle strength contributing to prevention of falls and therefore lowers the risk of fracture.
- Exercise goals for osteoporosis should include pain reduction, increased mobility and improvements in muscle endurance, balance and stability.
- Targeted exercise programmes have a greater impact than general programmes for preventing falls.
- Individuals with poor posture, frailty, pain, impaired balance and mobility, or other co-morbidities such as arthritis, may benefit from water exercise.
