Recreational exercises to improve balance and muscle strength in women at risk of osteoporosis
Effects of Recreational Exercises (Swimming, Pilates, and Walking) on Muscle Strength and Balance in Women at Risk for Osteoporosis
This will test whether Pilates, swimming, or brisk walking best improve muscle strength and balance in women at risk of osteoporosis.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 60 (estimated) |
| Ages | 40 Years to 60 Years |
| Sex | Female |
| Sponsor | Suleyman Demirel University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Isparta) |
| Trial ID | NCT07245355 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This randomized, prospective trial assigns sedentary women at elevated osteoporosis risk to one of three exercise programs: mat Pilates (45 minutes, three times weekly), moderate-intensity swimming (40 minutes, three times weekly), or brisk walking (45 minutes, three times weekly). Sixty participants are randomized equally into the three groups using a computer-generated table (20 per group). Muscle strength and balance are measured before and after the intervention period to compare the effects of each exercise modality. The protocol excludes women on bone-active medications, those with recent fractures, or uncontrolled cardiovascular/metabolic disease to ensure safety and clear interpretation of results.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are sedentary women previously identified by a physician as at risk for osteoporosis who can safely participate in regular Pilates, swimming, or brisk walking sessions.
Not a fit: Patients taking medications that affect bone metabolism, with a recent fracture, or with uncontrolled cardiovascular or metabolic disease are unlikely to benefit from this protocol and are excluded for safety reasons.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the results could identify accessible exercise options that improve strength and balance and potentially lower fracture risk in women at risk of osteoporosis.
How similar studies have performed: Exercise interventions have previously improved strength and balance in older women, with weight-bearing and resistance exercises generally showing clearer benefit, while direct head-to-head comparisons of Pilates, swimming, and walking remain limited.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: 1. Having a sedentary lifestyle (not having exercised regularly in the past 6 months), 2. No musculoskeletal or neurological conditions that would prevent participation, 3. Voluntarily agreeing to participate in the study. Exclusion Criteria: 1. Use of medications affecting bone metabolism (e.g., bisphosphonates, corticosteroids), 2. History of fracture within the past 6 months, 3. Uncontrolled cardiovascular or metabolic diseases.
Where this trial is running
Isparta
- Süleyman Demirel University — Isparta, Turkey (Türkiye) (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: NUR ALP, MSc
- Email: nuralp@sdu.edu.tr
- Phone: +905339738832
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.