NCT05541432

Finding the Optimal Resistance Training Intensity For Your Bones

Finding the Optimal Resistance Training Intensity For Your Bones: A Randomized Controlled Trial (FORTIFY Bones)

• Status: Active Not Recruiting
• Phase: N/A
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 324 (estimated)
• Sponsor: University of Waterloo · Academic / Other
• Sex: All
• Age: 50 Years
• Healthy volunteers: Not accepted

Summary

Osteoporosis is a bone disease that can result in fractures, disability and an increased risk of premature death. Exercise is recommended for fall and fracture prevention, but health care professionals often recommend walking or lower intensity community exercise classes, which may not be effective for building bone. Further, individuals with osteoporosis are often told to avoid lifting or moving in certain ways, which creates fear and activity avoidance. Conversely, research suggests that to stimulate bone, you need higher loads on bone, with either higher intensity resistance training or impact exercise - the types of things people with low bone mass are told to avoid. Our study will examine different types of exercise intensity and how they translate to building bone in people with low bone mineral density (BMD).

Detailed description

The FORTIFY Bones study will compare the effect of supervised twice-weekly progressive resistance training (PRT) at moderate or high intensity for one year to a home posture and balance exercise program on lumbar spine bone mineral density (BMD), in individuals with low bone mass not taking osteoporosis medication. As secondary analyses, we will examine the differences between each resistance training intensity and home exercise, and between resistance training intensities on all outcomes. Participants will be randomized to one of three exercise programs to be completed twice weekly: posture and balance exercise program at home, in-person, supervised progressive resistance training at 70% of estimated 1 Repetition Maximum (1RM) intensity, or in-person, supervised progressive resistance training at an 85% estimated 1RM intensity. The study is a multi-centre trial that will take place at the University of Waterloo, Toronto General Hospital, and the University of Saskatchewan. The long-term goal of this study is to generate evidence to support decision-making on the type of exercises for people with osteoporosis.

Conditions

• Osteoporosis
• Osteopenia

Interventions

Type	Name	Description
OTHER	Supervised strength training (group 1)	Participants in this arm will complete twice weekly resistance training. They will focus on form initially, and then be progressed to 3 sets of 10-12 repetitions at an intensity of \~70% of estimated 1 repetition maximum.
OTHER	Supervised strength training (group 2)	Participants in this arm will complete twice weekly resistance training. They will focus on form initially, and then be progressed to 3 sets of \~4-6 repetitions at an intensity of 85% of estimated one repetition maximum, with a warm-up set of 8 repetitions at their estimated 70% estimated one repetition maximum to attempt to match the volume performed in the other resistance training group.
OTHER	Home exercise	Participants in this arm will complete twice-weekly upper and lower body exercises at home, focused on posture and balance. Participants will meet 1:1 with an exercise physiologist who will select and prescribe exercises. Participants will also be invited to attend twice monthly virtual exercise and education sessions.

Timeline

• Start date: 2022-09-13
• Primary completion: 2026-09-01
• Completion: 2026-09-01
• First posted: 2022-09-15
• Last updated: 2025-03-30

Locations

3 sites across 1 country: Canada