Metabolic bone disease
Elizabeth Wellsandt, PhD, DPT
Professor (Assistant)
University of Nebraska Medical Center
Laura Bilek, PT
University of Nebraska Medical Center
People with rheumatic diseases are likely to have decreased bone density and increased fracture risk. This session addresses the role of exercise in a treatment plan to maximize bone health in patients with these conditions. Faculty will cover the role of exercise in improving bone health and, specifically, evidence-based exercise interventions for improving bone status and decreasing fracture risk. They will pay special attention to modifications for persons at high risk for fracture. Differential responses to exercise between pre-menopausal women and men compared to post-menopausal women will be highlighted. Exercise provides many health benefits, and therapeutic exercise is recommended as a management approach for rheumatic musculoskeletal diseases (RMDs). Unfortunately, few people with RMDs regularly engage in therapeutic exercise, potentially due to concerns about how exercise may affect their joint health. This talk will explain the risk to, and importance of, bone health in rheumatic diseases. Faculty will explore interventions like different types of exercise to improve bone health in pre- and postmenopausal women and men, and discuss specific precautions that people with rheumatic diseases or osteoporosis need to take before they begin an exercise program.
