Small vibrations can improve bone, increase muscle mass

Print This Page

Physical exercise is one of the principal recommendations for preventing and treating osteoporosis, but its effects are hard to assess. No one knows exactly how much of what type of exercise is needed to stimulate bone growth or counteract age-related bone loss, and not everyone responds the same way to the same physical activities. Most exercise programs result in modest bone density gains, about 1%–2%, in premenopausal women; in postmenopausal women, bone benefits are generally measured in bone mass preserved, not gained.

Moderate- to high-intensity regimens can work, but few adults can comply with them long-term, and women who have osteoporosis or are frail or disabled simply cannot participate in them. Most patients must rely on long-term drug therapy, but with the exception of parathyroid hormone, these medications don't actually stimulate new bone formation.

To continue reading this article, you must log in.

Subscribe to Harvard Health Online Plus (HHO+) to unlock expert-backed health insights, personalized tools, and exclusive resources to feel your best every day.

Here’s what you get with your HHO+ membership:

  • Unlimited access to all Harvard Health Online content
  • 4 expertly curated newsletters delivered monthly
  • Customized website experience aligned to your health goals
  • In-depth health guides on topics like sleep, exercise, and more
  • Interactive features like videos and quizzes
  • Members-only access to exclusive articles and resources
Learn more about the benefits of features of HHO+ »

I’d like to subscribe to HHO+ for $4.99/month to access expert-backed content to help make smart, informed decisions about my well-being.

Sign Me Up

Already a member? Login ».

Print This Page

Disclaimer:

As a service to our readers, Harvard Health Publishing provides access to our library of archived content. Please note the date of last review or update on all articles.

No content on this site, regardless of date, should ever be used as a substitute for direct medical advice from your doctor or other qualified clinician.

Free Healthbeat Signup

Get the latest in health news delivered to your inbox!

Sign Up
Harvard Health Publishing Logo

Thanks for visiting. Don't miss your FREE gift.

25 Gut Health Hacks is yours absolutely FREE when you sign up to receive health information from Harvard Medical School.

Sign up to get tips for living a healthy lifestyle, with ways to lessen digestion problems…keep inflammation under control…learn simple exercises to improve your balance…understand your options for cataract treatment…all delivered to your email box FREE.

Harvard Health Publishing Logo

Stay on top of latest health news from Harvard Medical School.

Plus, get a FREE copy of the Best Diets for Cognitive Fitness.

Harvard Health Publishing Logo

Stay on top of latest health news from Harvard Medical School.

Plus, get a FREE copy of the Best Diets for Cognitive Fitness.