High-Intensity Interval Training for Bone Health in Older Women

Effects of High-Intensity Interval Training on Bone Health, Physical Fitness and Quality of Life in Elderly Women With Osteopenia: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial

This study is testing if a 24-week high-intensity workout program can help older women with low bone density feel better and improve their bone health.

Quick facts

• Phase: NA
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 48 (estimated)
• Ages: 60 Years to 74 Years
• Sex: Female
• Sponsor: Hong Kong Baptist University (other)
• Locations: 1 site (China, Hong Kong)
• Trial ID: NCT06888544 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical trial investigates the effects of a 24-week high-intensity interval training (HIIT) program on bone health in older women diagnosed with osteopenia. Participants aged 60 to 74 will be randomly assigned to either the HIIT intervention or a non-exercise control group. The study will measure outcomes such as bone mineral density, bone turnover markers, physical fitness, fear of falling, and quality of life at baseline, post-intervention, and six months later. The aim is to determine if HIIT can improve bone health and overall well-being in this population.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are women aged 60 to 74 diagnosed with osteopenia who are physically capable of participating in high-intensity exercise.

Not a fit: Patients with severe chronic diseases that restrict high-intensity exercise or those with cognitive impairments may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this intervention could enhance bone health and reduce the risk of fractures in older women with osteopenia.

How similar studies have performed: While traditional exercise interventions have been studied, the specific application of HIIT for improving bone health in this demographic is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested.

Eligibility criteria

Inclusion Criteria:

* • 60 to 74 years at the start date of the project

  * diagnosed with osteopenia by DXA scan screening with a BMD at the femoral neck or total hip or lumbar spine between -1 and -2.5 SD T-score below the average values
  * Passing the PAR-Q plus screening or with the physician's approval for readiness to participate in high-intensity exercise
  * Above the average level of 2-mins stepping showing competent aerobic fitness
  * No restriction on physical mobility
  * No cognitive impairment, as determined by the Chinese version of the Mini-Mental Status Examination (i.e., score \< 24)
  * No previous substantial experiences in practicing HIIT. The written informed consent form will be collected from each participant

Exclusion Criteria:

* • Severe chronic disease restricting high-intensity exercise

  * Having cognition impairment regarded by specialists
  * checked through medical records at HA Go app platform in the past 6 months, have concurrent medical conditions (e.g., thyrotoxicosis or hyperparathyroidism, Paget's disease, renal disease, diabetes, knee or hip osteoarthritis) and use medications (e.g., corticosteroids, estrogen, thyroxine, thiazide diuretics, or antiretroviral agents) known to affect bone metabolism during past 2 years
  * any condition with osteoporosis, osteoporotic fractures
  * current smoker
  * alcohol 3 or more units per day.

Where this trial is running

China, Hong Kong

• Bliss District Elderly Community Centre — China, Hong Kong, China (RECRUITING)

Study contacts

• Principal investigator: Yanping Duan — Hong Kong Baptist University; Department of Sport, Physical Education and Health
• Study coordinator: Yanping Duan

Conditions: Osteopenia, Older women, High-intensity interval training