DOI: 10.36347/sjams.2015.v03i02.062

Pages: 847-853

Osteoporosis is one of the most common metabolic diseases and is considered a health problem as the average age of the population is rising. Osteoporosis does not have any clinical signs and will progress if not prevented or cured. First symptoms reveal as side effects which are bone fractures. The purpose of the study was to determine the comparison of bone mineral content and density in middle-aged women according to physical activity level. The present research is practical regarding the purpose and has a descriptive-comparative design. To this end, the questionnaires of the physical activity level and medical history were distributed among 100 volunteers. 45 were selected by purposeful random sampling and then divided to 3 control, averagely exercised and highly exercised groups. Bone density was measured using bone densitometry (DEXA). In this research ANOVA and Post Hoc Tukey were used. SPSS version 18 at the p_<0.05 level of significance was employed to analyze the data. Obtained results indicate that there is a difference between highly exercised group and control group. Averagely exercised group and highly exercised group have more Bone Mineral Density (BMD) in lumbar vertebrae: There is a significant difference in middle-aged women’s lumbar vertebrae BMD according to physical activity level p<0.000. Regular physical activity can be an effective treatment for preventing reduction of bone density. Not only does physical activity improve an individual’s wellness, balance and harmony, but also it decreases risk of fracture in one by maintaining body stature. Physical activity can increase density and mass of bone through creating additional weight. The effect of exercise on bone structure depends on the exercise intensity and length. Results of this study showed that there is a significant difference among middle-aged women between density and mineral substances of lumbar spine bones according to physical activity level.