Post-menopause osteoporosis. Presented by Eva Boland AEP
Practical clinical management for the AEP
We start with a moment to challenge our stereotype impression of a client in need of exercise to support bone health- Is it primarily the elderly women with mobility aides and a kyphotic curve? How about a fit 48 year old post-menopausal woman at the height of her busy career? Eva urges us to be advocates for bone health by understanding the value of exercise-based interventions timed to reflect the physiology of declining bone mineral density in early post-menopause.
A full consideration of the factors that contribute to fractures in the presence of osteopenia and osteoporosis places us well to consider the purpose of our exercise intervention. Bucket loads of research has been published to inform our approach and supports targeting exercise programs to maintain BMD, to reduce falls risk, or both.
A combination of moderate to high intensity PRT alongside multidirectional impact and balance training is a fair summary of the prescription. Our thorough assessment will uncover each individual’s capacity for engaging in the range exercise modalities and intensities that may be valuable.
In all cases, working with clients for bone health is a long term collaboration. Managing expectations, periodising programs and keeping it varied, interesting and goal-orientated is key.
Eva Boland is an Accredited Exercise Physiologist working in multidisciplinary private practice specialising in musculoskeletal rehabilitation and women’s health. With 16 years’ clinical experience, her professional mission is to translate research to practice using a biopsychosocial approach. Eva has been an invited clinical educator at the University of Canberra since 2016, is a member of numerous ESSA professional committees, and was the ESSA ACT Chapter Chair from 2016-2019. Eva specialises in treating chronic fatigue syndrome, polycystic ovary syndrome, peri and post menopause, osteopenia/osteoporosis, and endometriosis.
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