Correlation between physical activity, nutritional intake, and osteoporosis in postmenopausal women: a preliminary evaluation.

OBJECTIVE

Osteoporosis is a chronic metabolic syndrome associated with debilitating consequences that represents one of the major non-communicable diseases and the most common bone illness that affects both men and women. This observational study evaluates the amount of physical activity and the nutritional intake in a group of postmenopausal women who have a sedentary job.

PATIENTS AND

METHODS

All subjects underwent a medical evaluation, a body impedance analysis to evaluate body composition (fat mass, fat-free mass, and body cell mass), and a dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry to analyze bone mineral density. Additionally, a 3-day food record questionnaire and the International Physical Activity Questionnaire were administered respectively to evaluate patients' foods and beverages assumptions and the participants' Physical Activity levels.

RESULTS

The study showed that most of the patients had a moderate activity level and inadequate calcium and vitamin D assumption compared to guidelines.

CONCLUSIONS

The onset of osteoporosis seemed to be reduced at higher levels of leisure time, domestic, and transport activities, even in subjects who have a sedentary job and insufficient assumption of micronutrients.