Brief, Low-impact, High-intensity Osteogenic Loading in Postmenopausal Osteoporosis: A Quasi-experimental Case-series Study.

Abstract

Background: Osteoporosis is characterized by reduced bone mineral density (BMD) and disrupted microarchitecture estimated by trabecular bone score (TBS). Osteostrong® is a bone-strengthening system implementing 4 devices and incorporating brief (10-minute), weekly, low-impact, high-intensity osteogenic loading exercises. The aim of this study was to assess changes in BMD and TBS in the lumbar spine and/or hip over 12 months in peri-/post menopausal women with Osteoporosis following Osteostrong® intervention and to compare these outcomes with women who did not receive such intervention.

Methods and subjects: A quasi-experimental case-series study in which 147 participants were separated into 2 groups, following informed consent: 75 in group A receiving Osteostrong® (subgroup G1 without and G2 with antiresorptive medication); and 72 in group B without Osteostrong® (subgroup G3 without and G4 with antiresorptive medication). Changes in lumbar spine and hip BMD and/or TBS were assessed at inclusion and 12 months later. Bonferroni-adjusted non-parametric paired tests examined for significant paired mean differences within each subgroup.

Results: After Bonferroni adjustment, significant increases were observed in lumbar spine BMD in G2 (mean paired change: 0.029 g/cm2; Bonferroni-adjusted p < 0.001), and G4 (mean paired change: 0.025 g/cm2; Bonferroni-adjusted p = 0.05) as well as BMD-total hip left in G2 (mean paired change: 0.028 g/cm2; Bonferroni-adjusted p = 0.05). Other within-group changes in femoral neck BMD, total hip BMD, and TBS did not retain significance following Bonferroni correction.

Conclusion: The Osteostrong® intervention showed modest lumbar spine BMD improvements over 12 months; some subgroup effects were significant but not when Bonferroni-adjusted, warranting cautious interpretation and further randomized trials.