The effects of milk intake and whole-body vibration exercise on bone mineral density in elderly women in nursing homes.
So Min Lee, Sungchul Kim, Chae-Gil Lim
PMID 28744030WHAT IT FOUND
Bone-density scores did not change significantly with lactose-free milk plus whole-body vibration over 12 weeks.
The study did not show a significant effect on bone density.
Key findings
01In the 13 experimental participants, T-score decreased from -3.12 to -3.32 and Z-score decreased from -2.11 to -2.39, but neither change was statistically significant.
02In the 14 control participants, T-score decreased from -2.99 to -3.48 and Z-score decreased from -1.87 to -2.58, and both changes were statistically significant.
03Weight and BMI did not change significantly in either group over 12 weeks.
STILL TO COME
How it was doneWhat they foundWhat it means for PTs
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What it does not show
The experimental group received lactose-free milk and whole-body vibration together, so the contribution of either component cannot be separated. The paper does not report randomisation or how participants were assigned to groups. The sample was small: 30 women started and 27 were analysed. Participants were only from nursing homes in one region and had to be able to perform daily activities, so results may not apply to more dependent residents. Bone density was measured with quantitative ultrasound at the right heel, and the authors say this method’s results are controversial compared with DEXA. The analysis compared changes within each group, not a direct change between groups.
The easy way to misread this
Do not read the unchanged bone-density scores in the milk-plus-vibration group as proof that the intervention prevented bone loss. The within-group change was not statistically significant, the paper did not test a direct between-group change, and milk and vibration were given together.