[Osteoporosis and exercise].

Abstract

Osteoporosis is the most frequent metabolic alteration affecting bones, being one of the most common diseases in women after menopause. It can be defined as a clinical condition in which there is significant bone loss with a reduction in bone mass beyond that which is considered normal for patient's age and sex, risking the integrity of the bone structure, diminishing its resistance and causing fractures of the affected bones, even at minimum effort. Bone loss is an inevitable consequence of aging and it is responsible for a high level of morbidity. It is considered a silent disease until the first fractures. The prevention is extremely important as well as the rehabilitation and drug treatment. The exercises are necessary, not only preventing the osteoporosis itself but also preventing the falls that can provoke bone fractures.