Australians over the age of 45 and at risk of osteoporotic fracture are needed to be part of a study to test the implementation of a revolutionary exercise program to strengthen and improve bone health.

Brisbane-based Griffith University‘s STOP FRACTURE! study is testing the implementation of an evidence-based program called ONERO into the standard osteoporosis model of care.

Previously, only drugs were thought to increase bone and prevent the fractures which occur from minimal trauma, such as a fall, as humans age.

Professor Belinda Beck (pictured), of Griffith University’s School of Health Sciences and Social Work, said not all exercise was effective therapy for osteoporosis.

The STOP FRACTURE! study not only aims to reduce the risk of fragility fractures with effective exercise therapy, but to increase referrals from doctors to it.

“Osteoporosis is a silent epidemic and unfortunately most people don’t even know they have low bone mass until they fracture doing something innocuous,” she said.

“Our study is designed to increase doctor awareness of the ONERO program to increase referrals and access so we can begin to really reduce rates of osteoporotic fracture in Australia.

“The exercise involves lifting weights, which doctors tend to avoid because people with osteoporosis can be quite frail, but we have found it is safe and effective if supervised by trained exercise specialists.”

The Bone Clinic is a translational research clinic established in 2015 to implement ONERO into clinical practice with comprehensive ongoing patient monitoring to determine if it is safe and effective in the real world.

Nearly 10 years on, the results speak for themselves.

“Most of our clients are postmenopausal women but we have men also and even some people over 90 doing ONERO,” Professor Beck said.

“No matter the age, the effect is always incredible.

“This program has a strong emphasis on prevention because we know once you’ve had your first fracture, you’re four times more likely to have another.

“But we have lots of people lifting weights who have previously had multiple fractures, and they are going great guns too.

“In the STOP FRACTURE! study, we’re working closely with doctors to establish a practical and sustainable referral pathway so we can continue to help people prevent fractures into the future.”

Click here for more information on how to be part of the implementation study, or email [email protected] or call (07) 5552 9659.