Effect of 8 weeks of selected aquatic aerobic training on bone formation and density indices in overweight middle-aged men

Background: Preventing the bone loss and trying to keep bones healthy at a young age are the best preventive options in order to manage osteoporosis in elderly. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the effect of 8 weeks of selected aquatic aerobic training on bone formation and density indices in overweight middle-aged men.

Methods: In a semi-experimental study, 24 overweight men (BMI≥25) with a range of 45 to 55 years old were selected randomly after a public call among 70 subjects. Participants were randomly divided into experimental (n=12) and control (n=12) groups. Training program included selected aquatic aerobic training with 45 to 65 percent of maximum heart rate lasting for 8 weeks. Blood samples were taken before and after exercise to measure serum variables.

Results: There was a significant difference between pre-test and post-test of femoral bone density, osteocalcin and serum parathormone in the experimental group (p< 0.05) while this difference was not significant for the pre and post-test values of these variables in the participants of the control group (p> 0.05). Also, exercise increases mean of changes in femur bone density, osteocalcin and parathormone levels significantly in the experimental group in comparison with the control group (p< 0.05).

Conclusion: Auatic aerobic training is recommended for overweight middle-aged individuals to prevent osteoporosis and reduce bone density associated with aging.