Bologan Victoria

Moldova

THE IMPACT OF PHYSICAL ACTIVITY ON OSTEOPOROTIC PATIENTS

Bologan Victoria1, Ciobanu Elena2, Mazur-Nicorici Lucia3

1. Hygiene Discipline, Department of Preventive Medicine,
State University of Medicine and Pharmacy “Nicolae Testemitanu” Republic of Moldova
2. Hygiene Discipline, Department of Preventive Medicine,
State University of Medicine and Pharmacy “Nicolae Testemitanu” Republic of Moldova
3. Cardiology Discipline, Department of Internal Medicine – Rheumatology,
State University of Medicine and Pharmacy “Nicolae Testemitanu” Republic of Moldova

Abstract

Background

Osteoporosis is a multifactorial metabolic bone disease characterized by decreased bone mass and deterioration of the micro architecture of bone tissue, with decreased bone strength and increased bone fragility, leading to increased risk of fracture. Like many other medical conditions, there are two major groups of risk factors in the pathogenesis of osteoporosis. The first group includes non-modifiable risk factors such as age, female sex, family history of osteoporosis, history of fracture, menopause/hysterectomy and long-term glucocorticoid therapy. The second group includes modifiable risk factors: alcohol, smoking, body weight, inadequate diet, vitamin D deficiency, eating disorders, physical inactivity, low calcium intake and demineralized water intake, stress.

Methods

A questionnaire consisting of 52 questions divided into two sections was developed. The first section included questions related to modifiable factors in osteoporosis, and the second section included questions specific to patients with osteoporosis as well as general data. In this article, we chose to analyze the correlation between osteoporosis and physical activity as a modifiable risk factor.

Results

We surveyed 100 patients who met the following criteria:
– Age over 18 years,
– Consent to participate in the study,
– Exclusion of pregnant women,
– Patients with autoimmune diseases
– Patients with DEXA confirmed osteoporosis.
After analyzing the questions with reference to physical activity we determined, 88 respondents do physical activity daily, of which all 88 ticked: self-care activities and housework, 52 patients engaged in gardening, 13 engaged in walking, 6 engaged in cycling and 6 engaged in sports activities in gym and swimming. Physical work related to profession is practiced by 65 subjects out of 100 interviewed.

Conclusions

Out of 100 subjects surveyed physical activity in routine action practiced 88%, 12% engage in sports more professionally.
For the elderly as well as postmenopausal women, regular physical activity can: increase muscle strength, improve joint mobility, strengthen skeletal support which will reduce the risk of bone fractures. People who practice regular physical activity from a younger age show a lower level of osteoporosis, in other words, bone changes stagnate in the osteopenia phase.