Abstract

Introduction: The purpose of this study was to compare submaximal aerobic exercise with and without external loading on physical fitness, balance and blood lipids in osteoporotic postmenopausal women. Materials and Methods: Twenty-seven volunteer osteoporotic postmenopausal women were randomly divided into three groups: aerobic (n= 8), weighted vest (n=9), and control (n=10). Training consisted of 18 sessions of submaximal aerobic walking on the treadmill 30 min daily for 3 times a week. (3 min warm-up, 24 min training with 50-60 Heart rate reserve (HRR), and 3 min cool down). In the weighted vest group, subjects wore a weighted vest (4-8 of body weight). Body composition, balance and, cardiovascular fitness parameters were measured before and after training and blood lipids and cortisol hormone levels were also assessed. Result s: Fat decreased and lean mass increased significantly in the weighted vest group (P=0.027 and P=0.005 respectively). HRrest and BPrest significantly decreased in the weighted vest and aerobic groups, respectively. After training, balance criteria increased significantly in the weighted vest and aerobic groups, but decreased in the control group. Cortisol levels showed a significant decrease in training groups. Lipid level changes were not significant. Conclusion: Results of this study showed the weighted vest training is better to improve physical fitness and balance in osteoporotic postmenopausal women. Cortisol depression after submaximal aerobic exercise may be effective in maintenance of bone mass in postmenoposal women.