12-Week Resistance Training Impact on Bone Mineral Density in Wheelchair Users

Abstract

Introduction: Bone mineral density (BMD) plays a pivotal role in health, influencing skeletal strength and fracture risks. Due to lack of mechanical loading, wheelchair users are at increased risk of low BMD. Resistance training (RT) has proven effective in enhancing BMD for the general population, yet it is implications for wheelchair users (WCU) remain underexplored. Addressing physical inactivity for this group becomes crucial to counter osteoporosis risks. Adopting tailored RT programs can not only improve BMD but also enhance muscle strength, daily activity participation, and overall quality of life for WCUs, paving the way for potential healthcare efficiencies. Method: This 12-week study, part of the broader "BoneWheel" project, employed a randomized controlled trial (RCT) to evaluate a training regimen's effect on BMD in WCU. The most prevalent conditions among the participants were spinal cord injury (SCI) and cerebral parese (CP). The program, aimed at enhancing BMD of the lumbar spine and hip, consisted of three weekly sessions including RT of the upper body. The first month trainings were supervised at the facilities followed by independent trainings at the local gym for the remaining two months. Results: 24 participants (age: 37 ± 1.1; female n = 9; SCI: 43%) were included in this study. After the 12-week study period, no statistically significant difference was observed between the intervention and control group concerning BMD (p > .05). The change of maximal strength was significantly higher for the intervention vs control group for the exercises Mvic BP (~10%), 1 RM OH (~20%), and 1 RM BP (~15%) in favor of the RT group (all p < .05). Conclusion: This study found that a novel RT program increases maximal strength but not BMD in wheelchair users over 12 weeks. More prolonged studies are needed to detect potential effects off upper body RT on BMD in this population.