Exercise Program for Osteoporotic Fractures

Overseen By Abigail Mitchell, BSc

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: Western University, Canada

Disqualifiers: Uncontrolled cardiovascular, Severe respiratory, Cognitive impairments, others

No Placebo Group All trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: 6

Duration: 12 weeks

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial examines whether group exercise classes can benefit people with osteoporosis who have had a fracture. The goal is to determine if these exercises can improve bone health and reduce the risk of future fractures while ensuring safety. Individuals with osteoporosis who experienced a fracture from a minor fall or bump in the past year may be suitable candidates.

As an unphased trial, this study provides participants the chance to contribute to important research that could enhance osteoporosis care.

What prior data suggests that this exercise program is safe for individuals with osteoporosis?

Research has shown that exercise programs designed for people with osteoporosis are generally safe. Most studies report no problems or significant issues during or after exercise sessions. For example, one study found that supervised exercise programs improved health without causing harm. Another study found that exercises like resistance and balance training are especially recommended for those with osteoporosis because they help improve bone health and reduce the risk of fractures.

Additionally, exercise has been shown to enhance physical abilities, such as in the Timed Up and Go test, which measures mobility. These findings suggest that participating in an exercise program is well-tolerated and can safely improve bone health and physical function in individuals with osteoporosis. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

Unlike typical treatments for osteoporotic fractures, which often rely on medications like bisphosphonates to strengthen bones, this exercise program focuses on physical activity to improve bone health and prevent fractures. Researchers are excited because exercise can enhance balance and strength, potentially reducing the risk of falls, a common cause of fractures. Moreover, this approach might empower patients to actively participate in their health management with fewer side effects than drug therapies. By exploring exercise as a treatment, there's hope for a more holistic and sustainable strategy to manage osteoporosis.

What evidence suggests that this exercise program is effective for osteoporotic fractures?

This trial will evaluate an exercise program designed for individuals with osteoporotic fractures. Studies have shown that exercise strengthens bones in people with osteoporosis. For example, research indicates that weightlifting can prevent further bone weakening. Another study found that specific exercise programs improved bone strength in patients with fractures due to osteoporosis. High-intensity exercises proved especially effective for strengthening the spine. Overall, exercise reduces the risk of future fractures by strengthening both bones and muscles. ^{6 7 8 9 10}

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

This trial is for people who have osteoporosis and have already had a fracture due to weak bones. Participants should be able to join group exercise classes safely, as determined by the study team.

Inclusion Criteria

Residing within the study's geographic area (e.g., London, Ontario)

I am cleared for exercise, with normal heart rate and blood pressure.

I am able to understand the study and give my consent to participate.

Exclusion Criteria

Participation in conflicting clinical trials or rehabilitation programs

Residents outside the designated study area

I do not have cognitive problems that stop me from understanding or joining the study.

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Treatment

Participants engage in group exercise classes designed for individuals with osteoporosis who had an osteoporotic fracture

12 weeks

Regular exercise sessions

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for changes in health-related quality of life, bone quality, and physical function

6 months

Assessments at 6 weeks, 12 weeks, and 6 months

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

• Exercise Program

Trial Overview

The study is testing whether specially designed group exercise classes are safe and practical for people with osteoporosis who have had fractures, aiming to improve bone health and physical function.

How Is the Trial Designed?

Group I: Experimental Arm for Feasibility study Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

Feasibility Intervention

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

Western University, Canada

Lead Sponsor

Trials

270

Recruited

62,500+

Citations

1.

pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6323511/

The Effectiveness of Physical Exercise on Bone Density in ...

Physical exercise is considered an effective means to stimulate bone osteogenesis in osteoporotic patients.

2.

pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10345999/

Position Statement: Exercise Guidelines for Osteoporosis ...

Resistance training has been recognized as an effective method to improve bone health by avoiding decreases in BMD over time for individuals with osteoporosis ...

3.

link.springer.com

link.springer.com/article/10.1186/s13018-025-05636-z

a systematic review and meta-analysis - Springer Nature

This study found that exercise prescription was effective in increasing bone mineral density in patients with osteoporotic fractures (MD: 0.07; ...

4.

clinmedjournals.org

clinmedjournals.org/articles/ijsem/international-journal-of-sports-and-exercise-medicine-ijsem-10-269.php?jid=ijsem

Role of Exercise in Prevention and Treatment ...

While evidence for femoral neck BMD is weaker, programs involving higher doses of physical activity or multiple exercise types show greater effectiveness. A ...

5.

mdpi.com

mdpi.com/2077-0383/14/12/4109

Effectiveness of Exercise Loading on Bone Mineral Density ...

The literature shows a positive effect of exercises such as resistance, aerobics, impact, whole-body vibration, and a combination of exercises on BMD and ...

6.

pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7155356/

Adverse events and safety issues associated with physical ...

The majority of studies reported no adverse events, reduced incidence/improvement, or no significant change after physical activity or exercise.

7.

link.springer.com

link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00198-026-07994-8

Effectiveness and safety of physical exercise and health ...

Additionally, our results show that supervised and multicomponent interventions appear to have better improvements in some clinical outcomes.

8.

cochranelibrary.com

cochranelibrary.com/cdsr/doi/10.1002/14651858.CD008618.pub3/full

Exercise for improving outcomes after osteoporotic ...

Our updated review found moderate‐quality evidence that exercise probably improves physical performance, specifically Timed Up and Go test, in ...

9.

ohsu.elsevierpure.com

ohsu.elsevierpure.com/en/publications/exercise-in-the-prevention-of-osteoporosis-related-fractures

Exercise in the Prevention of Osteoporosis-Related Fractures

While exercise appears to be a safe and effective fracture prevention approach, future work must identify strategies that promote the adoption and uptake of ...

10.

pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5112023/

Too Fit To Fracture: exercise recommendations for individuals ...

The panel strongly recommends a multicomponent exercise program including resistance and balance training for individuals with osteoporosis or osteoporotic ...