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The Importance of Building Muscle for Osteoporosis Patients

In the last 25 years a better understanding of the relationship between muscle and bone has emerged. It is known that exercise and bone maintenance are interrelated. The musculoskeletal system relies on muscle quality and strength for support and balance.

With the aging population, balance is of paramount importance in minimizing the risk of falls leading to fractures. Juvent's Dynamic Motion Therapy device helps maintain a mobile lifestyle for the aging population.

IOF: Strong Muscles Result in Stronger Bones

With its focus on musculoskeletal health, Juvent is a strong advocate of the International Osteoporosis Foundation, an organization whose mission statement is to "advance the understanding of osteoporosis and to promote prevention, diagnosis and treatment of the disease worldwide." In its publication "Move It or Lose It", one in a series of "Invest in your bones" health education publications, they clearly define a strategy that encompasses the entire musculoskeletal system, rather than focus exclusively on bone, to maintain mobility.

Among numerous statements by the International Osteoporosis Foundation, the following are clear indications of the beneficial effects of maintaining good muscle strength as a strategy for osteoporosis treatment:

• Bone and movement are inextricably linked.
• ...as muscles get bigger and more powerful, bones also get heavier and stronger so that they are not overpowered.
• Improving strength of our muscles will cause a strengthening of our bones. Stronger muscles result in stronger bones.
• ...weaker muscles result in weaker bones.
• ...as muscles are used less and less, the control our nervous system exerts over those muscles begins to decline. This means that reflexes are not as good as they should be and the risk of stumbling or falling increases. If we don't exercise our muscles, we run the risk of falling, and this, in turn, increases our risk of having a fracture.
• ...this justifies the idea that improving muscle strength and muscle function is beneficial for our bones. Exercise builds strong muscles, which in turn builds strong bones. Exercise also improves muscle control, balance and coordination, and reduces the risk of falling or suffering a fracture in a fall.

Related Links:

Move it or Lose it: How exercise helps to build and maintain strong bones, prevent falls and fractures, and speed rehabilitation (IOF Publication)