Use of Exercise System Shown to Build Bone Mass and Reverse Effects of Osteoporosis

NORTHBROOK, Ill., Dec. 19, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- A research study published earlier this week in a supplement of Osteoporosis International, the official journal of the International Osteoporosis Foundation and National Osteoporosis Foundation, substantiates significant increases in bone mineral density (BMD) among seniors using a new exercise system designed for osteogenic loading. This marks the first time the use of any non-pharmaceutical protocol has been shown to increase bone mass at such significant levels.

The bioDensity^TM  osteogenic loading system, presented by study author John Jaquish, Ph.D., chief science and technology officer of Northbrook, Ill.-based Performance Health Systems at the International Osteoporosis Foundation conference in Hong Kong, places users in optimal biomechanical positions to safely load multiples of their body weight for short periods of time. Based on a scientific principle known as Wolff's law, intense compressive forces distort bone mass causing bone synthesizing cells, known as osteoblasts, to absorb minerals to reinforce the structure of the bone, making it harder and less porous. Force loaded with the bioDensity system is self-imposed, meaning users control the amount of load applied based on comfort, practically eliminating the risk of injury.

Study subjects participated in one bioDensity session per week for a minimum of six, maximum of 18, months. Each weekly session consisted of brief load exposure, divided among four movements: seated chest press, leg press and core pull, and standing vertical lift. Hip and spine DXA scans showed an increase in BMD in at least one evaluation site for every study subject. More than 75 percent of subjects showed BMD increases in both sites.

Among subjects whose spine T-scores indicated osteoporosis, prior to using bioDensity, 80 percent were re-classified to the less severe osteopenia, or even normal ranges after completing the bioDensity protocol. Subjects increased hip bone density by an average of 7.0 percent, and spinal bone density by 7.7 percent, after using bioDensity for one year on average.

The bioDensity study, conducted between 2011 and 2013, included 14 randomly selected individuals, from a total population of 126 patients at five clinical locations. The mean age among the 11 women and three men in the study was 62.5 years.

For additional information and substantiating science on bioDensity as a safe, effective, comfortable and convenient approach to increasing bone mass, visit www.biodensity.com. The site also includes a list of wellness centers, medical groups and doctors' offices across the country where the bioDensity system can be found.

Performance Health Systems LLC specializes in delivering advanced technology solutions through its health and wellness equipment. In addition to bioDensity, the company is the manufacturer and global distributor of Power Plate^®, the world's leading brand of whole-body vibration exercise equipment, for both home and professional use.

SOURCE Performance Health Systems