Supervised progressive resistance training and impact-loading exercise in a postmenopausal woman with osteoporosis: a case report

Abstract Background: Exercise is recommended as a non-pharmacological treatment for osteoporosis, including resistance training and impact loading. However, translating exercise guidelines into an individualized program for a physically active person with osteoporosis and concurrent musculoskeletal symptoms can be challenging.

Objective

To describe the assessment, clinical reasoning, prescription, and progression of a supervised resistance-training and impact-loading program for a physically active postmenopausal woman with osteoporosis. Case: A postmenopausal woman in her 60s presented to a private physiotherapy practice following a dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) diagnosis of osteoporosis. Her lowest T-score was -2.9 at the left total femur, trabecular bone score was 1.176, and reported fracture risk was 15–20%. She had no history of fragility fracture or falls but reported recurrent low back pain and concern about lifting and exercising safely.