Weighted vests osteoporosis

[Radars]

Hi,does anyone think weighted vests are good for osteoporosis, and which is the best thankyou.

[CDreamer]

I would have thought definitely not if you are high risk for vertebrae fractures?

RING THE ROYAL OSTEOPOROSIS ASSOCIATION for advice AND/OR POST ON THEIR FORUM AS THIS FORUM IS FOR AF.

Here again are the links

healthunlocked.com/bonehealth

theros.org.uk/ - lots of safe exercise videos to do which will help along with nutrition advice and numbers to ring the nurses.

Both have excellent, expert advice for osteoporosis and exercise and treatments.

Hope you find help there.

[Autumn_Leaves]

No, for the reasons stated by CDreamer, plus the high chance of developing back pain, shoulder aches and muscle fatigue. Also, with osteoporosis and age, the cartilage between your vertebrae tend to shrink (hence height loss) so it doesn’t seem like a sensible idea to put more strain on your spine in this way. Seek advice on weight bearing exercise from the NOS, but don’t punish your body in this way.

[Radars in reply to Autumn_Leaves]

Why does everyone say weight training is good, I get upper back ache and do weight training so should I stop.

[Autumn_Leaves in reply to Radars]

Resistance exercise and weight-bearing exercises is recommended for osteoporosis, that’s very true, and you don’t necessarily need to stop because you get upper back ache, but you need to make sure that your exercise routine is right for you as someone diagnosed with osteoporosis, particularly if you have osteoporosis of the spine. That’s why I suggested you speak to whoever you see for the management of your osteoporosis because they will have your DEXA scan results and T-scores and be able to advise what’s relevant to you. If you have your results you can phone the ROS helpline and ask. My sister-in-law had a vertebral fracture whilst she was gardening and at that time had no idea she had osteoporosis. She has also lost height and has an abnormally curved spine now. For her, there are some types of exercise which are definitely more risky, but there are others which are beneficial. It’s about what’s suitable for the individual. Vertebral fractures are the most common type of fracture in people with osteoporosis. I’m not saying “don’t” do whatever, but check first beforehand to make sure what you do is suitable for you, as an individual.

[Radars in reply to Autumn_Leaves]

Thanks, I spoke to 1 of the ros nurses and told her that I have been doing weight training for years to keep my bones strong because I have locally advanced prostate cancer finished treatment 2016 but my testosterone has not recovered, that is why I have got severe osteoporosis, I told her that my back was aching and when I go for my daily walk I am a bit breathless, regards weight training she said just to use light weights.

[Autumn_Leaves in reply to Radars]

If you can wangle it, 1-2 appointments with a physiotherapist with good knowledge of osteoporosis would be really helpful, but I appreciate that these appointments are like gold dust if you can even get a referral and then there is the waiting time for an appointment, but probably worth a try. That way you’d be able to describe any discomfort and she’d check if you were doing things in the right way, or maybe suggest an alternative set of exercises. The good thing about physios is that they can watch how you do your exercises, and advise you on preventing potential strains and injuries. But I appreciate that is all “in an ideal world” stuff, and not everyone has access to these services. Agree 100% that it’s important to maintain strength.

[Radars in reply to Autumn_Leaves]

Thanks just waiting for hospital to start zoledronic acid, but I have been reading on canceractive that bishophonates make brittle bones worse.

[john-boy-92]

A weighted vest is good for cardiac training and muscle strength. Bone density can be in proportion to muscle strength but as a lay person I doubt if weight training would be effective for osteoporosis without other corrective measures. You mention weigh training and back ache. Have you discussed this with an osteoporosis specialist? Do you have a Level 4 Personal Trainer to watch you to make sure that your posture is correct when working with weights? I don't have osteoporosis, but my Personal Trainer said that I had to use "baby weights" until my form was correct.

[joliet21]

I have osteoporosis and have used a weighted vest for years. My bone doctor said I don't weigh enough for gravity to put enough stress on my bones while walking on a treadmill to keep my bones strong. So it adds 10 pounds and is sufficient for me. No back pain.