Effects of a Targeted Multimodal Exercise Program Incorporating High-Speed Power Training on Falls and Fracture Risk Factors in Older Adults: A Community-Based Randomized Controlled Trial

Multi-modal exercise programs incorporating traditional progressive resistance training (PRT), weight-bearing impact and/or balance training are recommended to reduce risk factors for falls and fracture. However, muscle power, or the ability to produce force rapidly, has emerged as a more crucial variable to functional decline than muscle strength or mass. The aim of this 12-month community-based randomised controlled trial, termed Osteo-cise: Strong Bones for Life, was to evaluate the effectiveness and feasibility of a multi-modal exercise program incorporating high-velocity (HV)-PRT, combined with an osteoporosis education and behavioural change program, on bone mineral density (BMD), body composition, muscle strength and functional muscle performance in older adults. Falls incidence was evaluated as a secondary outcome. 162 older adults (mean ± SD; 67 ± 6 years) with risk factors for falls and/or low BMD were randomised to the Osteo-cise program (n = 81) or a control group (n = 81). Exercise consisted of fitness centre-based HV-PRT, weight-bearing impact and challenging balance/mobility activities performed three times weekly. After 12 months, the Osteo-cise program led to modest but significant net gains in femoral neck and lumbar spine BMD (1.0-1.1%, P Language: en