EFFECT OF A12- WEEK SELECTIVE AEROBIC EXERCISE TRIAL IN WATER ON FEMORAL AND LUMBAR SPINE BONE DENSITY IN OBESE POSTMENOPAUSAL WOMEN.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of a 12-week selective aerobic exercise trial in water on bone density in obese postmenopausal women. Materials & Methods: Twenty obese post menopausal women volunteered to participate in this study. The subjects were randomly divided into an experimental group (age: 50±3.87, height: 150±7.06, weight: 80±2.05 and BMI: 30+3.51) and a control group (age: 50±3.83, height: 150±7.61, weight:80±2.75 and BMI:30±3.37). The experimental group performed selective aerobic training in water for 3 months: the first month 3sessions/wk, the second month 4 sessions/wk and the last month 5 sessions/wk. Each session lasted 90 minutes with HRmax intensity of 65ـ75%. The control group did not participate in any physical activity program during the study period. Bone density of lumbar spine and femur was measured in both groups before and after exercise training period by densitometry method. Calcium and phosphorus was measured too. The data were analyzed with paired and independent samples Tـtest. Results: There was a significant increase in femoral bone density in the experimental group compared with the control group at the end of the study(P<0.05). In the experimental group the lumbar spine bone density was increased moderately but not significantly (P<0.05). On the other hand, calcium and phosphorus levels were not significantly different between the two groups in end of study period. Conclusion: It is indicated that one period of selective aerobic exercise trial in water enhances femoral and lumbar spine bone density in obese postmenopausal women.