A systematic review and meta-analysis published in March 2025 in the Journal of Orthopaedic Surgery and Research confirmed exercise as an effective intervention for improving bone mineral density and reducing fracture risk in people with previous osteoporotic fractures.
This study contributes to a significant shift in how the Medical Establishment approaches bone health and fracture prevention. Instead of relying on dangerous and ineffective prescription drugs, a growing number of practitioners are now prescribing exercise to build bone and prevent fractures, following the lead of the Save Institute.
In this article, we'll review this encouraging new study and consider its implications for your pursuit of stronger, healthier bones. Whether you've had a previous fracture or not, this research provides key insights into how to protect your bones and your future.
About The Study
The research article we’re reviewing opens with an exciting acknowledgment: “Exercise prescription is effective in enhancing bone strength in patients with osteoporosis.”1 The power of exercise to create stronger bones is well established, and its use as an intervention is growing in popularity.
This meta-analysis and systematic review looked at a different question: the effect of exercise prescription on patients with osteoporotic fractures.
A systematic review uses clearly defined methods to gather all available empirical research seeking to answer a specific question. A meta-analysis uses statistical processes to analyze and combine results from similar studies.
The researchers analyzed 11 randomized controlled trial studies that reported the effect of exercise prescription on bone mineral density in people with osteoporotic fractures. Four of the studies reported the incidence of refracture. In total, their analysis considered 1,101 study participants, 357 men and 744 women.1
The primary outcome measure was the change in bone mineral density (BMD) between the beginning and end of exercise interventions. DXA scans were used to measure BMD. The researchers performed a sub-analysis of the results based on the duration of the intervention (three, six, or 12 months), the type of intervention (whole-body exercise or isolated exercise), and the fracture site (vertebrae or hip).1
Synopsis
The March 2025 meta-analysis and systematic review analyzed the effect of exercise prescription on patients with osteoporotic fractures in 11 randomized controlled trials including 1,101 participants. The outcome measurements were bone mineral density and refracture. Subanalyses included comparisons of intervention durations, exercise types, and fracture sites.
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Exercise Gets Results For People With Osteoporotic Fractures
“In the past, researchers tended to focus more on the impact of drugs on osteoporosis. Now, an increasing number of studies are turning their attention to the relationship between osteoporosis patients and exercise training.” 1
This promising shift aligns closely with the principles the Save Institute has advocated since its inception.. Instead of prescribing osteoporosis drugs with undesirable side effects and poor results, doctors should be providing patients with exercise plans and holistic approaches for building stronger bones.
This research highlights the importance of specific exercise prescriptions for achieving successful outcomes. The authors found that isolated exercises of the limb that suffered a fracture and whole-body exercises were both effective for increasing bone mineral density. They concluded that a variety of exercise types can be combined to most effectively build bone mass while preventing falls. Moderate to high-intensity exercise training effectively increased BMD (bone mineral density), and exercise plans should also incorporate activities designed to improve balance and prevent falls.
When the researchers compared the effectiveness of different intervention lengths, they found that the benefits of exercise accrue over time. The longest periods of exercise studied were the most effective. This demonstrates that cultivating long-term exercise habits can improve bone quality and strength.
The scientists found that exercise prescription effectively increased bone mineral density in patients with osteoporotic fractures, and reduced the incidence of refracture by about 3.67 times.
Synopsis
The focus of bone health and fracture prevention research is shifting from drugs to exercise. The researchers found that both targeted limb exercises and whole-body exercises were effective; combining moderate- to high-intensity exercise with balance and fall-prevention training was beneficial; and longer durations of exercise intervention were most effective for increasing bone mass and preventing refracture.
The Future Of Fracture Prevention
The researchers recommend that doctors prescribe exercise to patients who have suffered an osteoporotic fracture. They also note that there is no “systematic post-fracture exercise rehabilitation strategy”1. Their research may encourage the development of such a strategy, along with a systematic approach for preventing first-time fractures.
That, essentially, is what the Save Institute has created for Savers. Slowly, researchers and the Medical Establishment are shaking off the grip of Big Pharma and looking at the data that proves the efficacy and safety of drug-free interventions for osteoporosis.
Instead of pills and injections that cause side effects and put patients at risk, doctors could improve the health of their patients by prescribing exercise interventions tailored to each person's needs and abilities. They could prescribe dietary changes that provide bone-building nutrients. They could prevent and reverse osteoporosis naturally and holistically.
Perhaps that will soon become the new normal. Until then, we will continue to use the latest research to provide Savers the best behaviors for our bone health.
Synopsis
The researchers recommend that doctors prescribe exercise to patients who have suffered an osteoporotic fracture. Gradually, researchers and medical professionals are shifting away from pharmaceutical interventions and increasingly recognizing the efficacy and safety of drug-free approaches for osteoporosis.
What This Means To You
Exercise interventions are effective for building bones and preventing fractures– even if you've had a previous fracture.
Doctors currently lack a standardized system for prescribing and managing exercise interventions. The Save Institute created SaveTrainer, an online video workout platform offering a wide range of guided physical activities similar to those found effective in the research we’ve reviewed.
With our professional trainers, you can practice yoga, weight training, aerobics, balance training, meditation, and more. There are programs tailored to every ability level– so no matter whether you're a seasoned athlete or this is your first time working out, you'll find exactly what you need.
Make time to exercise to keep your bones strong, your body healthy, and your future bright!
References
1 https://www.researchgate.net/publication/389650843_The_efficacy_of_exercise…meta-analysis
I’m 79 years old and I too am on Letrozole after having a wide excision lumpectomy in Feb. I was told 5 years ago I had osteoporosis in my lumber spine and osteopenia in my hips. I declined the biphosphonates and injections. I’ve just had another BMD but don’t yet know the results. I’ve been doing Save Trainer for a couple of years, but last year was hit and miss due to having debilitating vertigo and eventually finding out I have Ménière’s and also neck vertigo. I’ve had treatment for that and thankfully the attacks have stopped, so I’m back into my ST routine. I’m also now doing cardio and weight bearing exercises through our superb breast care physiotherapist, in the hospital physio dept and am joining a gym when that finishes next week.
Starting Letrozole after a lumpectomy. Caused bone thinning. Next infusion for bone loss😩 what to do???
Dear Patty,
We’re sorry that you have to deal with those health issues, but we’re more than happy to help you and answer your question. Please check your email inbox within the next 24-72 hours.
In excellent health,
Customer Support
Thank you, Ita.
My pleasure, Ita!
I was told I had osteoporosis when I was 25 years old I eat lots of veggies excersize and my bones are good now im now78 years old ive fallen over a couple of times and so far not broken any bones I walk my dog sherlock twice a day thankyoui bought your book years ago thankyou thankyou thankyou
You’re very welcome, and thanks for sharing you story with us, Christine. Keep up with your good habits!