5 Important Goals of Sports in Osteoporosis Patients

Acıbadem Altunizade Hospital Sports Medicine Specialist Dr. Uğur Diliçik gave information about osteoporosis and made suggestions. With the end of puberty, 98 percent of bone development is completed. While bone mass generally remains constant at the age of 20-40, it decreases at a rate of 40-45 percent per year after the age of 0.5-1. Therefore, while the exercises done during the growth period help bone formation, it supports the protection of the bone in adulthood. Sports Medicine Specialist Dr. Uğur Diliçıkık warned that patients who will only start the exercise program should be evaluated by a physician beforehand in terms of their musculoskeletal system and said, “It should not be forgotten that exercise is also a prescription. Exercises can be healthy when a physician tells what to do, how often and for what duration.

Stating that one of the most effective exercises recommended for osteoporosis patients is brisk and fast walking, Dr. Uğur Diliçıkık said, “The reason for this is that walking is safe, it can be done easily by everyone, and it also stimulates bone formation when it is brisk. Studies have shown that brisk walking for exercise reduces the risk of hip fracture by 30 percent. Therefore, if possible, make a habit of walking briskly for 3 minutes every day, at least 4-30 days a week. At the same time, tennis, dance and weight exercises are among the exercises recommended in osteoporosis because they stimulate bone formation. However, if you are in the high-risk group for spinal fracture, it is very important to avoid high-impact sports such as running, as it will increase the pressure on the spine. he said.

Stating that exercises performed in water, such as swimming, do not create sufficient gravitational load on the bone, they are generally not effective in osteoporosis patients. Uğur Diliçıkık said that it can be preferred in advanced osteoporosis patients because it provides support and comfort in daily living activities, strengthens the balance and thus reduces the risk of falling.

The majority of osteoporosis-related fractures are due to falls. Sports Medicine Specialist Dr. Uğur Diliçıkık pointed out that the most common home accidents are falling, adding, “It is known that posture control is impaired in patients with osteoporosis. Therefore, balance-coordination and strengthening exercises that can be done easily at home are recommended to prevent falling. "One review states that combined exercise treatments can reduce falls by up to 30 percent."

Providing stance control greatly prevents the risk of falling. Studies have shown that deep sensory exercises such as tai-chi are also effective in strengthening posture control. Sports Medicine Specialist Dr. Uğur Diliçıkık stated that Tai-chi exercises are a traditional form of aerobic exercise and said, “The intensity of tai-chi exercises is usually low-medium level and resembles brisk walking. Therefore, elderly people or those with chronic diseases can do it safely.”

Sports Medicine Specialist Dr. Uğur Diliçıkık listed the 5 important goals of sports in osteoporosis patients as follows:

1. Increasing muscle mass and strength
2. Increase in balance ability
3. Reducing the risk of bone fractures
4. correcting or improving posture
5. reduce pain