Background and Aim: The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of 12 months of strength training in water on bone mineral density of the lumbar spine and femoral neck in postmenopausal women with osteoporosis.

Material and Methods: In this study, 30 postmenopausal women with osteoporosis (age range: 50 - 65 years), were divided into two experimental and control groups. The experimental group performed 12-month strength training program in water, 3 times a week (Monday, Wednesday and Friday), for 50 minutes. Using energy X-ray absorptiometry, we performed bone densitometry of L2 and L3 vertebrae and femoral neck by standard methods. Data were analyzed by independent t test. P≤0.05 was considered significant.

Results: The results showed that 12 months of strength training in the water had significant effect on bone mineral density of L2-L3 vertebra (P=0/000) and bone mineral density of the femur (P=0/000) in postmenopausal women. Also we found significant effects on the percentages of T scores of L2-L3 vertebra (P=0/000) and the femur (P=0/000) after  12 months of strength training in water in postmenopausal women.

Conclusion: Based on these findings, possibly strength training in the water can lead to increased bone density in postmenopausal women with osteoporosis.

Keywords: Strength training, Bone mineral density, Menopause, Osteoporosis.

Received: Apr 3, 2016      Accepted: Jun 21, 2016