According to the results of a randomized, single-blinded, controlled trial reported in the January 25 issue of Archives of Internal Medicine, an exercise program vs a general wellness intervention in older women may improve bone mineral density (BMD) and reduce fall risk, but not cardiovascular disease risk.

From May 1, 2005, through July 31, 2008, a total of 246 women 65 years or older who were living independently in the area of Erlangen-Nuremberg, Germany, were recruited and randomly assigned 1:1 to an 18-month exercise program (exercise group) or to a wellness program (control group). The exercise intervention consisted of a multipurpose exercise program emphasizing exercise intensity, whereas the control intervention emphasized well-being with a low-intensity, low-frequency program. Study endpoints included BMD, the number of falls, Framingham-based 10-year CHD risk, and direct healthcare costs.

Among 227 women who completed the 18-month study, there were significant effects of exercise for BMD of the lumbar spine (mean percentage of change in BMD from baseline to follow-up for the exercise group and fall rate per person for 18 months) .

In both subgroups, there was a significantly effect on 10-year CHD risk, but this was not significantly different between the groups. During the 18-month intervention, direct healthcare costs per participant were not significantly different between the groups. 

Spource: medscape.com

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