The results of a new study showed that risedronate therapy in postmenopausal women with low BMD was significantly greater in increasing BMD especially in the spine, and decreasing markers of BMD reduction than physical exercise and calcium + vitamin D supplements alone. This has been published in the Journal of International Osteoporosis in 2021.
A randomized controlled study was conducted to compare changes in bone mineral density (BMD) and bone turnover in 276 postmenopausal women with low BMD and menopause at 6 months. They were given risedronate plus calcium + vitamin D supplements (risedronate group), physical exercise plus calcium + vitamin D supplements (exercise group), or calcium + vitamin D supplements alone (control group) for 12 months.
BMD examinations, markers of bone formation (Alkphase B or alkaline phosphatase bone in serum), and markers of bone resorption (Ntx serum) were performed at basal, after 6 months, and 12 months. An increase in these markers was associated with a decrease in BMD.
The results showed a greater improvement in spinal BMD in the risedronate group than in the physical exercise group (p<0.010) or the control group (p<0.001). There was also a significant difference in the decrease in serum Alkphase B (p<0.001 for the risedronate group vs. the physical exercise group and the risedronate group vs. the control group), and serum Ntx (p=0.04 for the risedronate group vs. the physical exercise group, and p=0.007 for the exercise group). risedronate group vs control group).
From the results of this study it was concluded that postmenopausal women with low BMD should meet the needs of adequate calcium and vitamin D and weight training on the bones. The addition of bisphosphonates can increase BMD, especially in the spine.
Image: Illustration (by jcomp - freepik.com)
References:
Waltman N, Kupzyk KA, Flores LE, Mack LR, Lappe JM, Bilek LD. Bone-loading exercises versus risedronate for the prevention of osteoporosis in postmenopausal women with low bone mass: a randomized controlled trial . Osteoporosis International 2021 [Internet]. Available from: https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007%2Fs00198-021-06083-2. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00198-021-06083-2
