CAN PHYSICAL EXERCISE PREVENT THE ONSET OF OSTEOPOROSIS? LESSONS LEARNED FROM AN ANIMAL MODEL.

Osteoporosis is a condition resulting in an increased risk of skeletal fractures due to a reduction of bone-mass and micro-architectural deterioration of the tissue. Aside from postmenopausal osteoporosis, the most common secondary cause of this disease is that due to the long-term use of oral glucocorticoids. The present study was designed to illustrate the benefit of physical activity, an inexpensive and accessible treatment, in the amelioration of osteoporosis symptoms. Adult female Wistar rats received a daily dose of methylprednisone for 30 days. One of the glucocorticoidtreated groups, and one of the control groups, were subjected to physical training (1 hour swimming) on a daily base. Haematological parameters related to bone marrow function, Ca and P content in serum and cortical thigh-bone were assessed. The results confirmed the beneficial role of physical exercise in preventing the onset of osteoporosis, and/or in ameliorating its symptoms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]