Changes in bone mechanical strength in response to physical therapy

Numerous unfavorable factors that disturb the balance between resorption and bone formation affect bone mechanical strength. Also mechanical loading (body mass and muscle tension) and risk factors for osteoporosis affect bone strength. Loading that can be applied to the bone is limited by bone structure. At the same time, loading applied to the bone may condition its structure. This is possible thanks to the cellular mechanisms of bone modeling and remodeling called adaptation. Physical therapy affects bone mechanical strength by stimulating bone cells. Movement increases muscle strength and restores muscle cooperation, thus improving functional state and movement activity, which, in turn, indirectly increase bone strength. The analysis of the studies on bone mechanical strength confirms the efficacy of physical exercise, which is an important element of comprehensive management. A lower risk of falls and fractures has been observed in patients who had received physical therapy apart from pharmacological treatment. It has also been observed that an increase in bone mechanical strength is not necessarily reflected in densitometric evaluation.