OBJECTIVES To synthesize current evidence on exercise interventions for osteoporosis prevention in Korean older adults—integrating the mechanistic and clinical effects of each modality (resistance, aerobic/weightbearing, combined, high-impact, and balance/strength) on bone mineral density (BMD), falls, physical function, and safety—in order to inform practical recommendations.METHODS We reviewed studies retrieved from international (PubMed, Google Scholar, Web of Science) and Korean (KISS/KCI) databases published since 2000. Key outcomes (lumbar spine and femoral neck BMD, fall incidence, functional indices, and adverse events) were extracted and summarized by exercise type. Findings were organized into nine thematic domains relevant to Korean older adults.RESULTS Resistance training generally maintained or increased BMD at the lumbar spine and hip, with more consistent benefits at or above moderate intensity. Aerobic exercise alone showed limited BMD effects, whereas weight-bearing aerobic activities (e.g., walking/brisk walking) provided adjunctive benefits. Combined programs (e.g., resistance plus aerobic/weight-bearing components) produced relatively greater improvements in BMD and functional outcomes than single-modality training. High-impact/weight-bearing protocols (e.g., jump/impact drills) can yield rapid, site-specific BMD gains but require cautious, individualized progression in very old or frail adults because of fracture, joint load, and fall risk. Balance and strength training significantly reduced falls, providing an important indirect pathway to fracture prevention.CONCLUSIONS For Korean older adults, a safety-first, pragmatic approach should involve centering programs on resistance training at or above moderate intensity, integrating combined exercise program with dedicated balance components to prevent falls, and introducing high-impact elements selectively and progressively with pre-exercise assessment, ongoing monitoring, and individualized tailoring.
An et al. (Sat,) studied this question.