Swim training prevents loss of bone density in ovariectomized post breeder rats

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

12-1-1997

Abstract

Ovariectomized (OVX) retired Sprague-Dawley breeder rats were used as an animal model for bone loss in postmenopausal women. 24 rats were either ovariectomized or sham operated and assigned to swim training or no exercise in a 2×2 factorial with 6 rats/treatment. Swim training started at 5 minutes/day and increased to 75 min/day 5-days/week for the rest of the 9-week study. Weight gain and food intake were higher in the two OVX groups (p<0.01). Swimming decreased weight gain and food intake regardless of hormonal status (p<0.01). Swimming increased protein intake of sham rats (p<0.05) but not OVX rats. OVX decreased femur bone density by 2.2% in the non-swimming rats and by 2.4% in the swimming rats (p<0.01). Swimming increased bone density by 3.5% in the OVX rats and by 3.6% in the sham rats (p<0.01). Swimming completely prevented bone density loss caused by OVX. Swimming also increased alkaline phosphatase activity in the plasma indicating increased bone metabolism. The beneficial effect of swimming on femur density suggest- that swimming may be a practical method for reducing postmenopausal bone loss. The effects of OVX on bone density in this study parallel those seen in postmenopausal women confirming that this small animal model can be used for studying dietary and exercise factors influencing bone density.

Publication Source (Journal or Book title)

FASEB Journal

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