Finding the Optimal Resistance Training Intensity For Your Bones

Phase

N/A

Condition

Osteoporosis

Osteopenia

Treatment

Supervised strength training (group 1)

Home exercise

Supervised strength training (group 2)

Clinical Study ID

NCT05541432

41337

Ages > 50
All Genders

Study Summary

Osteoporosis is a bone disease that can result in fractures, disability and an increased risk of premature death. Exercise is recommended for fall and fracture prevention, but health care professionals often recommend walking or lower intensity community exercise classes, which may not be effective for building bone. Further, individuals with osteoporosis are often told to avoid lifting or moving in certain ways, which creates fear and activity avoidance. Conversely, research suggests that to stimulate bone, you need higher loads on bone, with either higher intensity resistance training or impact exercise - the types of things people with low bone mass are told to avoid. Our study will examine different types of exercise intensity and how they translate to building bone in people with low bone mineral density (BMD).

Eligibility Criteria

Inclusion

Inclusion Criteria:

Age 50 or over
Has received 2 vaccines for COVID-19
Has femoral neck, total hip, or lumbar spine BMD T-score of ≤ -1, OR has been orhave a FRAX probability of fracture of greater than or equal to 20% for majorosteoporotic fracture or 3% or greater for hip fracture.*
Individuals at high risk of fracture (i.e., risk in next 10 years is >20%according to FRAX) should be offered medication for osteoporosis. We will onlyinclude individuals at high risk of fracture who have declined medication orwho had been on osteoporosis medication and decided to cease taking it in theappropriate timeline (as outlined by PI's and Physician).
Willing to participate in 2x weekly exercise sessions
Self-reported as postmenopausal for ≥ 2 years, OR postmenopausal stats confirmed viablood test (female participants only)

Exclusion

Exclusion Criteria:

Is unable to communicate in English
Has conditions affecting bone health
Takes or has taken medications affecting bone in the last 12 months or longer (asdetermined by the research team)
Has had a clinical or symptomatic spine fracture in the last 12 months, or alower/upper limb fracture in the last 6 months
Has had a joint replacement in the last 6 months
Is receiving palliative care
Has major surgery planned in the next 12 months
Has had cancer within the last 2 years (excluding non-melanoma skin cancer)
Has planned travel time of greater than 6 weeks
Has been diagnosed with dementia
Is already participating in moderate- or high-intensity progressive resistancetraining ≥ twice weekly
Weighs over 450 lbs
Has contraindications to resistance training

Study Design

Supervised strength training (group 1)

September 13, 2022

September 30, 2026

Study Description

The FORTIFY Bones study will compare the effect of supervised twice-weekly progressive resistance training (PRT) at moderate or high intensity for one year to a home posture and balance exercise program on lumbar spine bone mineral density (BMD), in individuals with low bone mass not taking osteoporosis medication. As secondary analyses, we will examine the differences between each resistance training intensity and home exercise, and between resistance training intensities on all outcomes. Participants will be randomized to one of three exercise programs to be completed twice weekly: posture and balance exercise program at home, in-person, supervised progressive resistance training at 70% of estimated 1 Repetition Maximum (1RM) intensity, or in-person, supervised progressive resistance training at an 85% estimated 1RM intensity. The study is a multi-centre trial that will take place at the University of Waterloo, Toronto General Hospital, and the University of Saskatchewan. The long-term goal of this study is to generate evidence to support decision-making on the type of exercises for people with osteoporosis.

Connect with a study center

University of Waterloo
Waterloo, Ontario
Canada
Site Not Available
University of Toronto
Markham,
Canada
Site Not Available
University of Saskatchewan
Saskatoon,
Canada
Site Not Available

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