What Is Osteoporosis
Osteoporosis is a disease characterized by low bone mass and deterioration of bone tissue, which can lead to increased risk of fracture. Known as the “silent thief,” bone deterioration can occur over a number of years without presenting any symptoms. Unfortunately, by the time affected bones break or fracture, the disease is already fairly advanced and less treatable.
Osteoporosis is more common among older individuals, but it can affect people of all ages. The condition often goes undiagnosed until a fracture occurs, typically in the hip, spine, wrist, or shoulder.
Regular screening and bone density testing are crucial for early detection and management of osteoporosis. Lifestyle modifications, including a balanced diet rich in calcium and vitamin D, regular weight-bearing exercise, and avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol consumption, can help maintain bone health and reduce the risk of fractures.
1. Osteoporosis Canada. What Is Osteoporosis? Osteoporosis Canada, https://osteoporosis.ca/what-is-osteoporosis/. Accessed 2 June 2025.
2. Government of Canada. Osteoporosis. Public Health Agency of Canada, 26 Oct. 2022, https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/chronic-diseases/osteoporosis.html. Accessed 2 June 2025.
3. Osteoporosis Canada. Bone Health & Osteoporosis. Osteoporosis Canada, https://osteoporosis.ca/bone-health-osteoporosis/. Accessed 2 June 2025.
Research Studies
bioDensity – Methodology - Use and Quantification of Force Production.
This poster was first used to explain what bioDensity was as a modality and how it was similar (and different) than traditional resistance training in terms of forces produced.
Rebecca Moynes, Smith, D., Rockney, S., Conviser, J., and Skinner, J.
Effects of bioDensity Training and Power Plate Whole Body Vibration on Strength, Balance, and Functional Independence in Older Adults.
Subjects 85-93 years old showed significant improvement using Power Plate and bioDensity in walking speed, walking distance, balance, standing, sitting, walking up stairs and down stairs – all activities of daily living. Strength increased 22-51%
Derek Smith, Judge, S., Malone, A., Moynes, R., Conviser, J. and Skinner. Journal of Aging and Physical Activity, 2016, 24, 139-148.
New Apparatus Provides Compression Forces on Bone Resulting in Osteoblastic Activity.
Subjects were 15 females ranging in age from 56-84 who had completed at least 48 out of 52 bioDensity sessions in a year. Eleven of the subjects demonstrated significant improvement in their DEXA values, 2 had no change and 2 had further decreases in BMD.
J. Conviser, Conviser, J., Koehler, J., Conviser, N. Osteoporosis International. Vol. 29, Supplement 1, April 2018.
The impact on glycemic control through progressive resistance training with bioDensity in Chinese elderly patients with type 2 diabetes.
The study demonstrated that bioDensity was an excellent additional therapeutic intervention, to the usual treatment for Type 2 Diabetes, in patients with elevated Hemoglobin A1c. Furthermore, bioDensity had a positive impact on the Cardiac Risk Profile (Cholesterol, LDL and HDL) regardless of the A1C levels.
Zheng Hangping, Qiao Xiaona, Zhang Qi, Li Qingchun, Yi Na, Ji Lijin, Liu Siying, Zhang Shuo, Zhu Xiaoming, Liu Xiaoxia, Xiong Qian, David Jaimovich, Li Yiming, and Lu Bin. Diabetes Research and Clinical Practice, April 2019.
Safety and Feasibility of Osteogenic Loading in Adults with Low Body Mass Index - Preliminary Evaluation.
This same study documents the viability of safely loading low BMI patients to stimulate bone growth because of their ability to create the necessary multiples of body weight loading
Jason Conviser, Conviser, J., Koehler, J. April, 2018
Improved Functional Independence, Balance and Force Production with Low Volume Alternative Training in Older Adults.
This study shows strength, balance, activities of dialing living can be significantly improved when they would participate once a week for 10 minutes at a time
James Skinner, Judge, S., Malone, A., Moynes, R., Conviser, J., and Derek Smith. Presented at the American College of Sports Medicine, Boston, MA in 2016