~44 spots leftby Dec 2026

Resistance vs Endurance Exercise for Osteoporosis

(MOVE Trial)

Recruiting in Palo Alto (17 mi)
SJ
Overseen bySarah J Wherry, PhD
Age: 18+
Sex: Any
Travel: May Be Covered
Time Reimbursement: Varies
Trial Phase: Academic
Recruiting
Sponsor: VA Office of Research and Development
Disqualifiers: Renal impairment, Hepatobiliary disease, Thyroid dysfunction, Diabetes, Cardiovascular disease, others
No Placebo Group

Trial Summary

What is the purpose of this trial?

Adults are often encouraged to exercise to maintain or improve bone health. However, there is evidence that exercise does not always lead to increases in bone mass, and exercise could lead to bone loss under certain conditions. Endurance exercise can increase bone resorption following an exercise bout, which may explain why bone does not always favorably adapt to exercise, but it is unclear if this also happens with resistance exercise. Further, it is not known how exercise training influences blood markers of bone resorption for either endurance or resistance exercise. The purpose of this study is to determine 1) if resistance exercise causes a similar increase in bone resorption as endurance exercise; and 2) if exercise training influences the increase in bone resorption following exercise for both endurance and resistance exercise.

Will I have to stop taking my current medications?

The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. It's best to discuss this with the trial coordinators or your doctor.

What data supports the effectiveness of the treatment 10 Weeks of Supervised Endurance Exercise Training, Supervised Aerobic Exercise, Endurance Training Program, 10 Weeks of Supervised Resistance Exercise Training, Resistance Training, Strength Training for osteoporosis?

Research shows that exercise, including endurance and resistance training, can help maintain bone health and prevent fractures in people with osteoporosis. Specifically, endurance-strength training has been found to increase bone mineral density in certain areas, and both endurance and resistance exercises improve physical capacity and reduce fall risk.12345

Is resistance and endurance exercise generally safe for humans?

Research suggests that both resistance and endurance exercises can be safe for humans when properly supervised and tailored to individual health conditions. For example, resistance training at low intensities and with high repetitions is considered safe for certain cardiac patients, and both endurance and endurance-strength training have been shown to improve physical capacity without significant safety concerns in postmenopausal women.16789

How does the 10-week supervised exercise treatment for osteoporosis differ from other treatments?

This treatment is unique because it involves a structured exercise program focusing on either endurance or resistance training, which can improve muscle strength and coordination, potentially benefiting bone health. Unlike medications, this approach emphasizes physical activity to help manage osteoporosis, although its exact impact on bone density compared to other treatments remains uncertain.110111213

Research Team

SJ

Sarah J Wherry, PhD

Principal Investigator

Rocky Mountain Regional VA Medical Center, Aurora, CO

Eligibility Criteria

This trial is for healthy older veterans aged 60+ in the Denver area who are normally active, like walking or cycling. They can't join if they have liver disease, kidney problems, anemia, diabetes, thyroid issues, abnormal calcium levels, severe high blood pressure, recent COVID-19 symptoms or diagnosis, a fracture within the last six months or heart disease.

Inclusion Criteria

I am a healthy veteran aged 60 or older living in the Denver Metro Area.
You usually do activities like riding a bike or going for walks.

Exclusion Criteria

I have a history of diabetes (type 1 or 2).
I have had a bone break in the last 6 months.
Your blood pressure is not well controlled, with a high systolic (top number) or diastolic (bottom number) reading.
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Trial Timeline

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Treatment

Participants undergo 10 weeks of supervised exercise training, either resistance training or endurance exercise, 3 times per week

10 weeks
30 visits (in-person)

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for changes in bone biomarkers and physical performance after exercise sessions

4 weeks

Treatment Details

Interventions

  • 10 Weeks of Supervised Endurance Exercise Training (Behavioural Intervention)
  • 10 Weeks of Supervised Resistance Exercise Training (Behavioural Intervention)
Trial OverviewThe study tests how two types of exercise affect bone health markers in older adults. Participants will do either 10 weeks of supervised resistance training (like lifting weights) or endurance training (like running), to see which one is better for bones.
Participant Groups
2Treatment groups
Experimental Treatment
Group I: Resistance ExerciseExperimental Treatment1 Intervention
Participants will perform total body resistance training 3x per week for 10 weeks. Each exercise session will last approximately 1 hour.
Group II: Endurance ExerciseExperimental Treatment1 Intervention
Participants will complete 60 minutes of stationary cycling 3x per week at 70-80% of maximal heart rate for 10 weeks.

Find a Clinic Near You

Research Locations NearbySelect from list below to view details:
Rocky Mountain Regional VA Medical Center, Aurora, COAurora, CO
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Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

VA Office of Research and Development

Lead Sponsor

Trials
1691
Patients Recruited
3,759,000+

University of Colorado, Denver

Collaborator

Trials
1842
Patients Recruited
3,028,000+

Findings from Research

In a study of 101 postmenopausal women with abdominal obesity, endurance-strength training for 12 weeks significantly increased whole-body bone mineral density (BMD) compared to endurance training alone, suggesting it may be more beneficial for bone health.
Both endurance and endurance-strength training improved physical capacity equally, but endurance training was better at maintaining bone mineral content (BMC) in the lumbar spine, indicating different benefits of each exercise type for bone health.
The Effect of Endurance and Endurance-Strength Training on Bone Mineral Density and Content in Abdominally Obese Postmenopausal Women: A Randomized Trial.Jamka, M., Mądry, E., Bogdański, P., et al.[2021]
Regular exercise, including aerobic, weight-bearing, and resistance training, is crucial for preventing falls and managing osteoporosis, with recommendations of at least 3 sessions per week lasting 20-30 minutes at 50-80% of maximum effort.
Proprioceptive training enhances balance and can significantly reduce the risk of falls and fractures in individuals with osteoporosis, highlighting the importance of targeting spine extensors and hip muscles in exercise interventions.
[Nonpharmacological treatment of osteoporosis].Babić-Naglić, D.[2009]
Exercise is an effective strategy for preventing and treating osteoporosis, as shown by randomized controlled trials and meta-analyses that indicate it helps preserve bone mass and prevent fractures and falls.
Specific exercise protocols tailored to an individual's age and physical condition are crucial for safely achieving positive outcomes in osteoporosis management.
[Daily practice using the guidelines for prevention and treatment of osteoporosis. Effectiveness of exercise for preventing and treating osteoporosis].Miyakoshi, N.[2008]
Progressive resistance training (PRT) is beneficial for individuals at risk of fractures, as it can improve femoral neck bone mineral density (BMD), enhance health-related quality of life, and reduce pain, based on a systematic review of 53 studies involving older adults with low BMD or fracture history.
While PRT improves physical functioning, the effects on fall risk and the number of falls remain uncertain, but adverse events related to PRT are rare and typically minor.
Progressive Resistance Training for Improving Health-Related Outcomes in People at Risk of Fracture: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.Ponzano, M., Rodrigues, IB., Hosseini, Z., et al.[2021]
In a 12-week study involving postmenopausal women with osteoporosis, balance and coordination exercises significantly improved balance as measured by the Timed Up and Go test and Berg Balance Scale, while strengthening exercises were more effective in reducing pain.
No patients experienced falls during the 24-week follow-up, indicating that both exercise interventions were safe and beneficial for improving quality of life in osteoporotic patients.
Effects of Balance-Coordination, Strengthening, and Aerobic Exercises to Prevent Falls in Postmenopausal Patients With Osteoporosis: A 6-Month Randomized Parallel Prospective Study.Dizdar, M., Irdesel, JF., Dizdar, OS., et al.[2022]
Recent studies indicate that resistance exercise, when performed at low intensities (40-60% of maximum voluntary contraction) and with high repetitions (15-20), can lead to only moderate increases in blood pressure, similar to those seen with moderate aerobic training.
Resistance training can be beneficial for certain cardiac patients, improving muscle strength, cardiovascular function, and overall quality of life, but it should be tailored to individual clinical statuses, particularly for those with high physical capacity and good myocardial function.
[The stakes of force perseverance training and muscle structure training in rehabilitation. Recommendations of the German Federation for Prevention and Rehabilitation of Heart-Circulatory Diseases e.v].Bjarnason-Wehrens, B., Mayer-Berger, W., Meister, ER., et al.[2007]
Both endurance training and very low volume, high-intensity interval training improved aerobic fitness in recreationally active females, with increases in peak oxygen uptake of approximately 7% and 8%, respectively, after 4 weeks of training.
The whole-body aerobic-resistance training not only enhanced cardiovascular fitness but also significantly improved muscular endurance, with increases in various exercises ranging from 40% to 207%, while participants reported higher enjoyment and motivation to continue this type of training.
Extremely low volume, whole-body aerobic-resistance training improves aerobic fitness and muscular endurance in females.McRae, G., Payne, A., Zelt, JG., et al.[2016]
Integrating resistance training, particularly through interval methods like cluster sets, can significantly improve health outcomes for cardiac patients, including increased muscle mass and better muscular fitness, which are not fully achieved with aerobic exercise alone.
Interval resistance training may enhance safety by reducing acute haemodynamic responses and improving exercise tolerance in cardiac patients, making it a potentially more suitable and effective option for this population.
Cluster Sets to Prescribe Interval Resistance Training: A Potential Method to Optimise Resistance Training Safety, Feasibility and Efficacy in Cardiac Patients.Way, KL., Thomas, HJ., Parker, L., et al.[2023]
A 12-week concurrent exercise training program combining sprint interval training and resistance exercise significantly improved aerobic capacity (VO2max) in 53 inactive adult women, indicating its effectiveness for cardiovascular health.
Both sprint interval training at level-grade and incline showed similar improvements in aerobic capacity, suggesting that this type of training can be beneficial for older women to enhance overall health and functionality.
Effects of a Sprint Interval and Resistance Concurrent Exercise Training Program on Aerobic Capacity of Inactive Adult Women.Salom Huffman, L., Wadsworth, DD., McDonald, JR., et al.[2019]
Exercise plays a crucial role in preventing and treating osteoporosis, as sedentary individuals generally have lower bone mass compared to those who exercise, although exercise alone cannot fully compensate for bone loss due to estrogen deficiency.
Moderate exercise is recommended for osteoporosis prevention and treatment, as it not only helps maintain bone mass but also improves muscle strength, coordination, and flexibility, which are important for overall bone health.
Bone mass and exercise.Chesnut, CH.[2019]
A 12-month resistance training program significantly improved muscular strength in healthy older women, with both high-intensity and low-intensity groups showing better strength compared to the control group.
However, neither high-intensity nor low-intensity resistance training led to significant changes in bone mineral density (BMD) at the lumbar spine or total hip, indicating that while strength gains are achievable, they do not necessarily translate to increased bone density.
Effects of a one-year high-intensity versus low-intensity resistance training program on bone mineral density in older women.Pruitt, LA., Taaffe, DR., Marcus, R.[2015]
A 12-month Balance Training Program significantly improved the quality of life in elderly women with osteoporosis, enhancing well-being, physical function, psychological status, symptoms, and social interaction compared to a control group.
The program also led to improved functional balance and a 50% reduction in falls among participants, demonstrating its effectiveness in enhancing both safety and overall health in this population.
A 12-month randomized controlled trial of balance training in elderly women with osteoporosis: improvement of quality of life.Madureira, MM., Bonfá, E., Takayama, L., et al.[2010]
High-intensity, resistive strength training is the most effective exercise for increasing bone mineral density and reducing fractures in patients with osteoporosis, while posture and balance exercises mainly improve mobility.
High-force exercises do not increase the risk of fractures and are beneficial for bone health, but combining exercise with vitamin D and calcium intake is essential for optimal prevention of osteoporosis and fractures.
The Role of Exercises in Osteoporotic Fracture Prevention and Current Care Gaps. Where Are We Now? Recent Updates.Senderovich, H., Tang, H., Belmont, S.[2020]

References

The Effect of Endurance and Endurance-Strength Training on Bone Mineral Density and Content in Abdominally Obese Postmenopausal Women: A Randomized Trial. [2021]
[Nonpharmacological treatment of osteoporosis]. [2009]
[Daily practice using the guidelines for prevention and treatment of osteoporosis. Effectiveness of exercise for preventing and treating osteoporosis]. [2008]
Progressive Resistance Training for Improving Health-Related Outcomes in People at Risk of Fracture: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials. [2021]
Effects of Balance-Coordination, Strengthening, and Aerobic Exercises to Prevent Falls in Postmenopausal Patients With Osteoporosis: A 6-Month Randomized Parallel Prospective Study. [2022]
[The stakes of force perseverance training and muscle structure training in rehabilitation. Recommendations of the German Federation for Prevention and Rehabilitation of Heart-Circulatory Diseases e.v]. [2007]
Extremely low volume, whole-body aerobic-resistance training improves aerobic fitness and muscular endurance in females. [2016]
Cluster Sets to Prescribe Interval Resistance Training: A Potential Method to Optimise Resistance Training Safety, Feasibility and Efficacy in Cardiac Patients. [2023]
Effects of a Sprint Interval and Resistance Concurrent Exercise Training Program on Aerobic Capacity of Inactive Adult Women. [2019]
10.United Statespubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
Bone mass and exercise. [2019]
11.United Statespubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
Effects of a one-year high-intensity versus low-intensity resistance training program on bone mineral density in older women. [2015]
A 12-month randomized controlled trial of balance training in elderly women with osteoporosis: improvement of quality of life. [2010]
The Role of Exercises in Osteoporotic Fracture Prevention and Current Care Gaps. Where Are We Now? Recent Updates. [2020]