Effect of pulsed magnetic therapy and moderate exercise on the course of postmenopausal osteoporosis

BACKGROUND: Osteoporosis is a common musculoskeletal disease with significant complications that can become a global public health problem and a major cause of death and morbidity. AIM: The present study aimed to determine the effect of pulsed magnetotherapy, aerobic exercise, and a combination of both methods on postmenopausal women with osteoporosis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The randomized clinical trial included 45 patients with osteoporosis aged 60 to 65 years who had menopause at least 6 months ago and had been sedentary for at least 6 months. Patients were randomly divided into 3 equal groups. Group A (magnetic therapy group): received standard treatment (bisphosphonates, calcium and vitamin D) in addition to pulsed magnetic therapy in the hip area for 12 weeks (3 sessions per week). Group B (exercise group): received conventional treatment plus moderate-intensity aerobic exercise for 12 weeks (3 sessions per week). Group C (combined magnetic therapy and exercise therapy group): received standard medical treatment plus pulsed magnetic therapy and moderate-intensity aerobic exercise for 12 weeks (3 sessions per week). Bone mineral density was assessed in three groups at baseline by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry and after 12 weeks of treatment. RESULTS: The results showed that intragroup analysis revealed a statistically significant increase (p 0.05) in bone mineral density in the 3 study groups. Comparison of the results among the 3 tested groups revealed a significant increase (p 0.05) in mean post-test bone mineral density values in group C compared to group A and group B. There was no significant statistical difference in mean bone mineral density between the two groups A and B after testing. CONCLUSION: The combination of pulsed magnetotherapy and moderate-intensity aerobic exercise showed a significant improvement in hip bone mineral density compared with either method alone.