What is Osteoporosis? What is the Impact of Osteoporosis in Australia?
Osteoporosis is a condition in which bones lose bone mass and bone density leading to an increase risk of bone fracture. This may occur to an extent where even relatively minor bumps or falls may lead to a ‘minimal trauma fracture’. Sustaining one fracture can have a cascading effect, whereby 50% of people having sustained one fracture are likely to have another (1). The consequences of this can be severe, hip fractures are associated with increased disability, increased admissions to aged care facilities, and early mortality (2). Estimated osteoporosis rates for 50 and over are 23% of women and 6% of men, contributing to minimal trauma fracture rates in Australia of 1 in 4 men and 2 in 5 women (2).
Breaking the Fracture Cascade
Exercise is now a proven primary intervention for improving bone mineral density. The Liftmor Randomised Control Trial conducted out of Griffith University demonstrated significant increases of Bone Density following their intervention of high intensity resistance and impact training (3). This high intensity training outperformed previous exercise studies, likely due to its focus on heavier weights and lower repetitions. In addition to benefiting bone density, the high intensity training was proven to be safe and feasible for people with low bone densities (3).
Translating this to Real Life – The Inception and Growth of the Onero Program
These results have formed the basis for the development of the Onero Program, a functional weight lifting and balance exercise program delivered by a physiotherapists or exercise physiologists in a supervised small group environment. All health professionals running the Onero program are trained and accredited. All accredited clinics contribute to the ongoing research of the program by providing real life results to the Bone Clinic, a specialist centre that in collaboration with Griffith University coordinates the Onero program and associated research.
What are the Results?
Two year follow up results thus far corroborate the findings of the original Liftmor study. Statically significant results include increases of both hip and lumbar spine bone density, reduced fracture rates and fall rates by 45.5% and 91.7% respectively, very low injury rates, and a raft of secondary benefits such as increased leg strength, reduced rounding of the upper back, and improved functional strength and balance.
Onero Logistics
Onero is a small group supervised class that runs twice a week for 40minutes. All participants regardless of age, gender, severity of osteoporosis are welcome. The classes consist of 4 fundamental exercises that are consistent week to week, with 2 additional exercises that vary and are individualised to participant needs. Thorough assessment ensures safety for the participant as well as enabling accurate reassessment to determine yearly changes of bone density, balance, strength, and posture.
I’m Interested in Onero - What Now?
No referral is needed from a healthcare professional to begin Onero. If you have received a diagnosis of Osteoporosis or Osteopenia and are interested in more information please feel free to talk with an Onero accredited physiotherapist from Back in Motion Alphington. We are often running community talks or are more than happy to speak with you in person at no cost. The program is fully enforced by Osteoporosis Australia (6) and Exercise and Sports Science Australia (ESSA); see below for relevant links for further information regarding Onero and Osteoporosis. Call 9499 6336 or visit Back In Motion Alphington to learn more and book a free assessment.
1. Osteoporosis Australia, 2017, Estimating the prevalence of osteoporosis in Australia, available at: https://www.osteoporosis.org.au/sites/default/files/files/OA%20Consumer%20Guide%204th%20Edition.pdf
2. Australia Institute of Health and Wellness, Estimating the prevalence of osteoporosis in Australia, available at:
https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/chronic-musculoskeletal-conditions/estimating-the-prevalence-of-osteoporosis-in-austr/contents/summary
3. Watson, S. L., Weeks, B. K., Weis, L. J., Harding, A. T., Horan, S. A., & Beck, B. R. (2018). High‐intensity resistance and impact training improves bone mineral density and physical function in postmenopausal women with osteopenia and osteoporosis: the LIFTMOR randomized controlled trial. Journal of Bone and Mineral Research, 33(2), 211-220
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