The Effect of weight bearing water aerobic exercise on the bone density of the lumbar spine of 50-70 years old overweight women

Osteoporosis is a common bone disease among the women which reduces quality of life and lifetime span. The aim of present study was to examine the effect of 12 week weight bearing water aerobic exercise program on the bone mineral density of the lumbar spine in 50-70 years old overweight women. twenty post-menopausal overweight women with the age of 50-75 years were admitted in this study and randomly assigned to water exercise group (n=10) and control group (n=10) (Both groups had an equal number of people with osteoporosis and without osteoporosis.). The exercises group participated in 12 weeks 60 minutes weight bearing water aerobic exercise program 3 times per week that increased gradually to 90 minute during 12 week. While the control group was asked to do not engaged any physical activity. Bone density for all women was measured before and after the training program. The results showed significant differences between pre-test and post-test of bone density in experimental group (P<0/05) While this difference was not significant for the control group (P>0/05). According to our research، aerobic weight bearing water exercise (running، jumping، walking and aerobic exercise) for 12 weeks will increase the bone mineral density of the lumbar spine in 50 to 70 years old overweight women.