Correlation between physical activity, nutritional intake and osteoporosis in post-menopausal women: a preliminary evaluation

Objective: Osteoporosis is a chronic metabolic syndrome associated with debilitating consequences that represents one of the major non-communicable diseases and the most common bone illness that affects both men and women. This observational study evaluates the amount of physical activity and the nutritional intake in a group of postmenopausal women who have a sedentary job. Patients and methods: All subjects underwent a medical evaluation, a body impedance analysis to evaluate body composition (fat mass, fat-free mass, and body cell mass), and a dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry to analyze bone mineral density. Additionally, a 3-day food record questionnaire and the International Physical Activity Questionnaire were administered respectively to evaluate patients' foods and beverages assumptions and the participants' Physical Activity levels. Results: The study showed that most of the patients had a moderate activity level and inadequate calcium and vitamin D assumption compared to guidelines. Conclusions: The onset of osteoporosis seemed to be reduced at higher levels of leisure time, domestic, and transport activities, even in subjects who have a sedentary job and insufficient assumption of micronutrients.