The Comparison of 6-Week Resistance Training and Pulsed Electromagnetic Field on Talp, Ca, P, Cortisol, and Anthropometric Parameters in Osteoporotic Postmenopausal Women

Considering the high sensitivity of bone to mechanical stimulations, one of the potential ways of impressing bone tissue in clinical perspective, is applying physical and mechanical loads. In this study, we compared the effect of progressive resistive exercise versus pulsed electromagnetic fields on total ALP, calcium, phosphorus and cortisol, and anthropometric variables in primary postmenopausal osteoporotic women.

Thirty estrogen-deficient postmenopausal women were assigned randomly to pulsed electromagnetic field therapy (PEMF), resistance training (RT), and control groups. Treatment in the PEMF group consisted of 45 min induction of rectangular wave with frequency of 30 Hz and intensity of 40 Gauss; the RT group consisted of performing trunk, upper and lower body resistance exercises that progressed during 6 weeks from 50% to 85% 1RM, for approximately 45 min, 3 days/week. Throughout this duration of six weeks, the control group was requested not to change their physical activity routines and dietary intakes. Blood total ALP, Ca2+, P, and cortisol was measured before and after 6 weeks.

After 6 weeks of PEMF or RT, total ALP increased significantly in the control group. Fat mass was significantly decreased in RT group after 6 weeks and increased significantly in controls. In all groups serum Ca, P, and cortisol showed no significant changes after 6 weeks.

Regarding the increase of total ALP in the RT and PEMF groups, it seems that PEMF can be used instead of RT for improving bone metabolism in high risk, severely osteoporotic patients.