Over the past two years, we have seen rapid growth in our ONERO exercise program for osteopaenia and osteoporosis. This excellent, evidence-based exercise intervention has been enjoyed by many of our patients who have been working hard to improve their strength and lifting capacity in the hope that it will also improve their bone density.
Today, we would like to share a case study of one of our patients, Simone, who has been attending the classes since September 2020.
ONERO CASE STUDY
When Simone commenced ONERO, she had a spinal T-score of -3.2 and a left femoral neck (hip) T-score of -2.7. This put her spinal T-scores in the osteoporotic range. Thankfully for Simone, she has never experienced an osteoporotic fracture, and x-ray has confirmed the health of her vertebrae. Her low T-scores put her in a high-risk category, therefore she had to start the ONERO program with more conservative weights.
Simone attended class diligently for 3-4 terms (Covid-19 was disruptive during this time) of 10 weeks each (2 sessions per week) and built up her lifting capacity consistently during this time. She continues to attend our classes and is now deadlifting over 44kg, shoulder pressing 15kg and squatting 32kg!! Great work Simone!
The result? A repeat scan 11 months after commencing the program showed a significant 2.5% increase in spinal bone density, and an impressive 4.4 to 5.5% increase in hip bone density which pushed her hip density T-score from the osteoporotic, to the osteopaenic range! Most impressively, Simone achieved this without the use of medical interventions, which highlights the effect that exercise can have on bone density.
ONERO FOR OSTEOPOROSIS AT ST LEONARDS
What does the ONERO program involve?
- Supervised, high-intensity resistance and impact training, tailored for people at risk of osteoporatic fracture.
- An initial physiotherapy consultation, and then ongoing evaluation to track your progress.
- Exercise in a small group, with no more than 8 people in a class, so that you can get support and encouragement from other people with the same condition.
- Two classes per week in 10-week blocks, with two weeks off between blocks.
We test your progress every 12 months in the clinic to check muscle strength and balance improvements – this will complement re-evaluation of bone density with your endocrinologist.
Please note, you will need a referral from your GP or endocrinologist, including your latest bone density scan results, in order to enrol on the program.
You can find out more about our ONERO program here. If you’re ready to enrol or have any questions, contact us on (02) 9438 1782 or email enquiries@stleonardsphysio.com.au.
