Resistance training versus weight-bearing aquatic exercise: a cross-sectional analysis of bone mineral density in postmenopausal women

IntroductionMany studies have shown that resistance training has a positive effect on bone mineral density (BMD). However, few studies have compared the BMD of individuals undergoing resistance training and those training aquatic weight-bearing exercises.ObjectiveTo compare, in a cross-sectional study, the BMD of postmenopausal women undergoing resistance training and postmenopausal women training aquatic weight-bearing exercises.MethodsThe sample comprised 63 women divided into the following three groups: resistance training (STRENGTH: n=15; 51.4±2.7 years); aquatic weight-bearing exercises (WATER: n=22; 54.5±3.3 years); and non-trained controls (CONTROL: n=26; 52.0±3.3 years). All volunteers were on hormone replacement therapy for at least one year. The STRENGTH and WATER groups were training for at least one year prior to study beginning (mean years of training−STRENGTH: 4.5±2.0; WATER: 4.2±2.2).ResultsThe STRENGTH group had higher BMD of total body, femoral neck, lumbar spine L2-L4 as compared with the CONTROL group (all P