The Effects of Nordic Walking and Resistance Training on Balance and Functional Performance in Postmenopausal Women with Osteoporosis
Design
Randomized clinical trial (RCT) with pretest‑posttest and control group.
Settings and conduct
The study will be conducted at the Sports Sciences Research Institute and will be carried out without blinding.
Participants/Inclusion and exclusion criteria
Study inclusion criteria:
Women aged 45 to 60 years
Postmenopausal status (at least 12 months of amenorrhea)
Diagnosed with osteoporosis
Ability to perform exercises and participate in training sessions
Referral to healthcare centers in Tehran and Karaj
Exclusion criteria:
Missing more than 3 training sessions
Occurrence of severe pain, injury, or medical complications during exercise
Initiation of new treatment or medication affecting bone metabolism during the study
Development of diseases or conditions that prevent continuation of exercise participation
Intervention groups
This study included three groups: two intervention groups and one control group. The first group was the Nordic walking group, which performed Nordic walking exercises using specialized poles for eight weeks, three sessions per week, with each session lasting 60 minutes at an intensity of 50–70% of maximum heart rate.
The second group was the resistance training group, which, over the same eight-week period, performed strength training exercises three times per week at an intensity of 40–60% of one-repetition maximum (1RM), targeting the lower-limb muscles (including leg flexion and extension, rowing, butterfly, leg press, and crunch exercises).
The third group was the control group, which received no exercise intervention during the study period and continued their usual daily activities.
Main outcome variables
Static balance, dynamic balance, and motor function.
General information
Reason for update
Acronym
IRCT registration information
IRCT registration number:IRCT20221231056996N2
Registration date:2026-06-29, 1405/04/08
Registration timing:prospective
Last update:2026-06-29, 1405/04/08
Update count:0
Registration date
2026-06-29, 1405/04/08
Registrant information
Name
Mohammadreza Seyedi
Name of organization / entity
Sport Sciences Research Institute
Country
Iran (Islamic Republic of)
Phone
+98 21 8874 7884
Email address
seyedi@ssrc.ac.ir
Recruitment status
recruiting
Funding source
Expected recruitment start date
2026-07-23, 1405/05/01
Expected recruitment end date
2026-09-23, 1405/07/01
Actual recruitment start date
empty
Actual recruitment end date
empty
Trial completion date
empty
Scientific title
The Effects of Nordic Walking and Resistance Training on Balance and Functional Performance in Postmenopausal Women with Osteoporosis
Public title
The Effects of Nordic Walking and Resistance Training on Balance and Functional Performance in Postmenopausal Women with Osteoporosis
Purpose
Supportive
Inclusion/Exclusion criteria
Inclusion criteria:
Age range: 45 to 60 years old
Being menopausal (at least 12 months without menstruation)
Having osteoporosis (based on a DEXA T-score of less than −2.5 and confirmed by a specialist physician)
Ability to perform exercises and participate in training sessions
Participants referring to healthcare centers in the cities of Tehran and Karaj
Exclusion criteria:
Not missing more than 3 training sessions
Occurrence of severe pain, injury, or medical complications during exercise
Initiation of a new treatment or medication affecting bone during the study
Having diseases or medical conditions that prevent continuation of the exercise program
Age
From 45 years old to 60 years old
Gender
Female
Phase
N/A
Groups that have been masked
No information
Sample size
Target sample size:
39
Randomization (investigator's opinion)
Randomized
Randomization description
In this three-group study, after confirming the eligibility criteria, participants will be randomly assigned to three groups (two experimental groups and one control group) using simple randomization with an online random number generation software (such as Random Allocation Software or Sealed Envelope). To ensure allocation concealment, the randomization results will be placed in opaque, sealed envelopes, and until the intervention begins, neither the researcher nor the participants will be aware of the group assignments.
Blinding (investigator's opinion)
Not blinded
Blinding description
Placebo
Not used
Assignment
Parallel
Other design features
Secondary Ids
empty
Ethics committees
1
Ethics committee
Name of ethics committee
Research Ethics Committee of the Sport Sciences Research Institute
Street address
Motahhari st. MirEmad 5th
City
Tehran
Province
Tehran
Postal code
1587958711
Approval date
2026-05-20, 1405/02/30
Ethics committee reference number
IR.SSRC.REC.1405.033
Health conditions studied
1
Description of health condition studied
Osteoporosis
ICD-10 code
ICD-10 code description
Primary outcomes
1
Description
Static Balance
Timepoint
pre and post test evaluation
Method of measurement
Romberg Test
2
Description
Dynamic Balance
Timepoint
pre and post test evaluation
Method of measurement
Timed Up and Go Test (TUG)
3
Description
Physical Performance:
Timepoint
pre and post test evaluation
Method of measurement
Senior Fitness Tests
Secondary outcomes
empty
Intervention groups
1
Description
Nordic Walking Intervention Group: Participants in this group will perform Nordic walking exercises using specialized walking poles. This exercise includes coordination of arm and leg movements, maintaining proper body posture, and walking at moderate intensity, accompanied by warm-up and cool-down sessions. This group will perform Nordic walking training for 8 weeks, 3 sessions per week, with each session lasting 45 to 60 minutes.
Category
Rehabilitation
2
Description
Resistance Training Intervention Group: Participants in this group will perform strength training exercises using weights, resistance bands, and body weight. The exercises include strengthening the lower, upper, and core body muscles, such as squats, calf exercises, and exercises for the hips, arms, and shoulders. This group will perform resistance training for 8 weeks, 3 sessions per week. Each session will last 45 to 60 minutes. The exercise intensity will be approximately 50 to 70% of one-repetition maximum (1RM).
Category
Rehabilitation
3
Description
Control group: Participants in this group will not receive any exercise program and will continue their usual daily activities throughout the study period.