From the research activities of the Laboratory of Exercise and Sport Sciences at the University of Rome “Foro Italico,” directed by Prof. Attilio Parisi, current Rector of the Roman Athenaeum, came the idea of developing an international cooperative project on physical activity for menopausal women: a collaborative partnership to promote active lifestyles and prevent osteoporosis, with tangible medium- and long-term effects.
Who has never heard of osteoporosis? Although often underestimated, this disease, commonly associated with female menopause and postmenopause, is a real scourge. It is known to be a multifactorial disease, related to age, sex, and hormonal imbalances, causing a progressive reduction in bone mass and density, along with a deterioration of bone microarchitecture. This, combined with the loss of muscle strength typical of aging and subsequent reduction in physical activity, significantly increases the risk of fractures.
Estimates indicate that at least one in three women over age 50 is at risk for osteoporotic fractures, often requiring hospitalization and long-term hormone treatment, which can have a major impact on both quality of life and National Health System resources.
The research (*) of the Laboratory of Exercise and Sport Sciences of the University of Rome Foro Italico have shown how the lengthening average life span of postmenopausal women, coupled with the need to improve their quality of life, necessitates the development of safe and effective therapeutic strategies that can complement or limit hormone replacement therapy to prevent and counter osteoporosis.
The most recent Guidelines confirm that, in addition to a balanced diet and the use of calcium and vitamin D supplements, structured exercise is a very powerful tool for slowing the reduction of bone density and reducing the risk of falls and fractures. However, despite this evidence, few women consistently follow structured physical activity programs.
And this is where the international project comes in. HAPPY BONES. – Physical activity in women in menopause: a collaborative partnership for active lifestyles for the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis, co-funded by the European Union’s Erasmus+ Sport program and coordinated by the University of Rome Foro Italico. The project was carried out from 2020 to 2022 in collaboration with several European universities and associations: Alexandru Ioan Cuza University of Iași (RO), Bulgarian Sports Development Association (BG), Fundació Salut i Envelliment UAB (ES), Gazi University (TUR), and the European Institute for Socioeconomic Development (IT).
The main objective of the project was to train teachers and physical education experts in partner countries with specific expertise in teaching a training protocol aimed at preventing and combating osteoporosis in postmenopausal women. Once trained, each trainer took on the role of “knowledge multiplier,” spreading the Happy Bones methodology in their country through videos and training materials shared on a dedicated website.
To date, the project is demonstrating its effects on society, with tangible medium- and long-term impact. The physical activity promoted through Happy Bones is helping a growing number of women aged 50 to 65 to adopt more active and healthy lifestyles, reducing their risk of osteoporosis and improving their overall well-being.
The proposed protocol, lasting at least 30 minutes a day five days a week, is customizable and combined with an appropriate diet. Strength training sessions 2-3 times a week and daily flexibility exercises can be added to this to maximize the benefits.
Performing low-impact exercises that are safe and effective in improving bone mass, along with floor exercises designed specifically to stimulate an osteogenic effect, is an innovation over traditional methods that often employ ergometers and isotonic machines. Because of their simplicity, these exercises can be done from the comfort of home with the use of mats and elastic bands. With consistency, it is possible to see tangible improvements over time.
These programs, supervised by a trainer, can also be offered in the workplace as part of organizational wellness initiatives, thereby improving the corporate climate and overcoming logistical obstacles related to time and resources to attend gyms.
(*) Scientific publications by the University team, which participated in the project:
- Francesca Romana Lenzi, Eliana Tranchita, Elisa Grazioli, Claudia Cerulli, Vincenzo Esposito, Giuseppe Coppola, Elisa Moretti, Caterina Mauri, Carlo Minganti, Attilio Parisi | Performing Group-Based Physical Activity (Gbpa) in the Work-Place: Survey and Sociological Considerations of the “Happy Bones” Project | mdpi.com/2071-1050/15/1/480; doi.org/10.3390/su15010480
- Grazioli E, Cerulli C, Tranchita E, Moretti E, Mauri C, Broccatelli M, De Bellonia S, Abalașei BA, Dumitru IM, Moraru CE, Iacob RM, Blancafort-Alias S, González AI, Riau ÀD, Giménez I Sanz A, Ramos GI, Pekel HA, Altunsoy M, Ozkan S, Dikmen AU, Sacchetti M, Parisi A. Dropout and compliance to physical exercise in menopausal osteopenic women: the European “happy bones” project. Front Sports Act Living. 2023 Jun 27;5:1221409. doi: 10.3389/fspor.2023.1221409. PMID: 37440873; PMCID: PMC10333592.
- Moretti E, Cerulli C, Grazioli E, Mauri C, Broccatelli M, De Bellonia S, et al. Osteoporosis prevention in the workplace: the “Happy Bones” protocol. Med Sport 2023;76:228-42. DOI: 10.23736/S0025-7826.23.04291-6
The University of Rome “Foro Italico” has activated the course of. Master’s Degree in Preventive and Adapted Motor Activities (Class LM67), which trains qualified specialists ready to respond to emerging health needs through the interdisciplinary use of movement. This academic track focuses on the use of movement as an educational, preventive tool and promoter of physical, mental and social well-being, as well as a means of facilitating the inclusion of individuals with different abilities.
article by Paola Claudia Scioli
