Osteoporosis is a common bone disease that refers to a person's bones being weak and brittle. The body is continuously remodeling bone. If the degeneration of old bone is quicker than the body's ability to form new bone, osteoporosis occurs.  If the degeneration is quicker than the body's ability to form new bone, osteoporosis occurs. Weight-bearing exercises play a positive role in managing and preventing this disease. Therefore, exercising with a weighted vest can help manage or prevent the onset of osteoporosis. In this blog post, we’re answering the question ‘Are weighted vests good for osteoporosis?’. We’ll discuss the pros and cons of weighted vests for osteoporosis, as well as the safety precautions to follow. But first, let’s take a deeper look into osteoporosis and what it is.

What Is Osteoporosis?

According to the Mayo Clinic, osteoporosis is a condition that “causes bones to become weak and brittle — so brittle that a fall or even mild stresses such as bending over or coughing can cause a break. Osteoporosis-related breaks most commonly occur in the hip, wrist, or spine". Bone remodeling is continuous, however "when the creation of new bone doesn't keep up with the loss of old bone", osteoporosis occurs.

From this description, it is clear that people with osteoporosis can break bones much easier than other people. Now, let’s dive right into the pros and cons of weighted vests for osteoporosis.

Benefits Of Weighted Vests For Osteoporosis

Some scientific research backs up the claim that weighted vests can be beneficial for people with osteoporosis. Specific benefits of wearing a weighted vest for osteoporosis include:

Can improve bone health

Wearing a weighted vest can help to improve bone density, thus strengthening bones. According to Wolff’s Law, bones respond to mechanical stress by ‘remodeling’ and adapting, which makes them stronger over time. Similarly, bones that do not experience mechanical stress may become weaker and more frail over time, which can cause fractures. A weighted vest increases the level of mechanical stress on certain skeletal structures. This prompts an increase in osteoblasts (bone-building cells) and hormonal secretions involved in bone remodeling, increasing bone density and health.

Improve muscle strength

The added resistance increases the level of stress and muscle activation during bodyweight exercises and strength training. Thus stimulating muscle growth and increasing strength. As muscle surrounds the skeletal system, having a strong base reduces the stress directly on the bone and limits the likelihood of fractures.

Improve balance and posture

The weighted vest adds an element of consciousness to the loads placed on the body. This causes individuals to distribute this weight properly with the correct posture. Similarly to the lower limb musculature, the core muscles are more engaged and adapt accordingly, improving core strength and stability. This can help improve natural posture and balance in the long term when the weighted vest is not worn.

Drawbacks Of Weighted Vests For Osteoporosis

Along with the above benefits, there are some drawbacks of wearing a weighted vest for osteoporosis, including:

Can worsen severe osteoporosis

If you are suffering from severe osteoporosis, wearing a weighted vest may not be the best fit for you at this time. These vests add extra stress to joints and other areas, which can cause more pain and could contribute to a potential fracture. Therefore, if you have severe osteoporosis, it is best to stay away from weighted vests and look for other methods to manage the condition that are less intense on your joints.

May increase fall risks

The heavy load of a weighted vest can increase the likelihood of an individual falling. This is why it is essential, to begin with a very light weight and to gradually build up the load, which should only be done if your doctor has approved this transition and if you feel comfortable.

Are not suitable for everyone

Every person with osteoporosis is different. Each person with the condition will have individual requirements, and wearing a weighted vest may not be suitable for you. While these vests can benefit many people with the condition, unfortunately, they may cause more harm than good for others. This is why it is important to consult your doctor if you are considering a weighted vest for osteoporosis. Your doctor will be able to advise you of the suitability of a weighted vest, and if they advise against it, they should be able to provide more appropriate recommendations for you to manage the condition.

Now that we’ve discussed the advantages and disadvantages of weighted vests for osteoporosis, let’s look at the key safety precautions to consider.

Safety Precautions To Follow

If you are considering wearing a weighted vest for osteoporosis, you should take extra care by following safety precautions, which will lower the risk of injury. Some safety precautions to follow include:

• Consult your doctor or healthcare provider before wearing a weighted vest.
• Gradually build up the amount of weight you add.
• Vests are not suitable for people with severe osteoporosis.
• Ensure your vest is a good fit.
• Use a weighted vest in conjunction with other treatments.
• Do not do vigorous exercise while wearing a weighted vest - you should not push yourself too much, as doing so could cause lasting damage.

You should not rely on the use of a weighted vest alone to treat osteoporosis. Instead, it should be part of your overall treatment plan.

So, are weighted vests good for osteoporosis?

You should now have a better understanding of weighted vests and an answer to the question ‘Are weighted vests good for osteoporosis?’. To recap, weighted vests can be useful for people with osteoporosis, however they should be used in conjunction with other treatment measures. You must consult your doctor or healthcare provider before wearing a weighted vest and you should immediately remove the vest if it feels painful or causes pain in your joints.

If you are interested take a look at our selection of weighted vests. Alternatively, get in touch to speak to a member of our friendly team, who will be happy to help you with all of your exercise and workout requirements.