Received October 12, 2009; Accepted January 12, 2010.
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of the 12-week combined exercise program on bone mineral density(BMD), parathyroid hormone(PTH) and insulin like growth factor-I(IGF-I) in elderly women. METHOD Twenty participants aged above 65 years old were randomly directed into combined exercise program(CEP) group(n=10) and control group(n=10). All of the data were analyzed by using two-way ANOVA with repeated measure, paired t-test and independent t-test by using SPSS program (version 12.0). P-values of <.05 were considered significant. RESULT After the program, there was no significant difference in PTH and IGF-I for both groups but femur neck BMD was significantly improved in the CEP group(p<.05). CONCLUSION 12-week combined exercise program consisting aerobic exercise, muscular strengthen exercise, and fall prevent exercise help maintaining BMD and preventing bone mass loss. These positive effects help to lower the risk of osteoporosis for elderly women.