Effect of different exercises on the bone mineral density, pain and quality of life in people with osteoporosis

Osteoporosis is a systemic skeletal disease with its associated fractures 8 times higher in women than men. Doing physical activity to maintain bone mass and strength are vital and help individuals in prevention of osteoporosis-related fractures. Although some studies have shown a positive relationship between physical activity and bone mineral density (BMD), some revealed physical activities are ineffective on BMD. Thus a systematic study to clarify the contradictions and determine the effect of physical activity on bone mineral density is required. The purpose of this study was to review the effects of physical activity on bone mineral density, pain and quality of life in patients with osteoporosis In this review, articles that were published in international and Iranian journals of Pub med, Springer, Elsevier, Science Direct, Magiran, Noor mags, SID with standard keywords were used. Most of the findings from various studies, indicated positive effects of physical activity on bone mineral density, reduced pain and improved quality of life for people with osteoporosis. although compounded exercises and researches that have been done on young people suggested a positive effect on bone mineral density, in the researches on which the exercise period was similar, a positive effect did not show in elderly. Sports activities for people with osteoporosis should be selected according to the characteristics such as age, purpose (treatment or prevention) and limits of patient. Since there is a significant positive effect of exercise on bone mineral density, It is recommended to study the exercise effects in various environments (land, water, and mixed).