How many of you have heard of OsteoStrong, aka BioDensity? What is OsteoStrong anyway?

The OsteoStrong website claims it is “the ultimate BioHack” and says it is “A Unique System for Developing Your Skeletal Strength.”

The OsteoStrong website explains that “OsteoStrong^® is not a gym, diet, supplement, pharmaceutical, or a medical treatment. OsteoStrong^® is a unique place where you can go to improve your overall health by focusing on the one thing we all have in common: a skeletal system. The skeletal system is the foundation for your body and provides more than just strength and protection. It is arguably one of the most critical systems of the human body, and by implementing a strategy to care for and strengthen it, many experience the following results:

• Improved Bone Density
• Improved Posture
• Improved Balance
• Improved Athletic Performance
• Less Joint and Back Pain

OsteoStrong^® works for people at all ages and levels of activity to promote skeletal strength which impacts the entire body in many ways using a process known as Osteogenic Loading. Sessions are quick, painless, and results are measurable and happen quickly. “

There is a body of literature written about OsteoStrong. Here is one article:

https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20160420006482/en/New-Research-Confirms-bioDensity%E2%84%A2-as-a-Safe-Alternative-to-High-Impact-Activity-in-Rebuilding-Bone-Density?fbclid=IwAR3VTA-ZVFayl9dqcsEEeqK2VdkBnjpuB0ZSFxtvF3en8pN1bEy8Qmky8CE

However, I have yet to find a true peer-reviewed study demonstrating OsteoStrong’s efficacy. Here is what the National Osteoporosis Foundation (nof.org) had to say about OsteoStrong:

“It has long been known that high-intensity resistance exercise and impact increases osteogenic loading and facilitates bone mineral density acquisition. Several of the manuscripts and abstracts shared by OsteoStrong™ describe the effects of high-intensity resistance exercise using the BioDensity equipment on force production, leg muscle strength, HA1C diabetes marker and bone mineral density (BMD) outcomes in small uncontrolled studies of adults … None of the studies were adequately powered randomized controlled trials investigating the effects of the OsteoStrong™ exercise program on BMD outcome, and none compared the effectiveness of the BioDensity program to a more generic, high-intensity resistance exercise program. The studies to date do provide preliminary data for this type of large effectiveness trails which are needed in order to change guidelines or make recommendations. … In summary, the scientific community has long known the benefits of high-intensity resistance and impact exercise on BMD. While the high-intensity BioDensity exercise program may be beneficial for increasing BMD in adults, the evidence presented does not demonstrate efficacy of the OsteoStrong™ program on BMD outcomes. Furthermore, we do not know how it compares to the benefits of the current NOF recommendations for weight bearing and resistance exercise. Further research is warranted before the benefits of the OsteoStrong™ program can be determined.”

Despite the seeming lack of good evidence, people have benefited from OsteoStrong in a number of ways, including an increase in bone density as measured by DEXA scan. I think it’s worth a try and have just completed my seventh session. I will do it for at least a year and then measure. I’d like to know your thoughts and experiences, so please join my Facebook group and let us know what you’re doing:

Osteopenia or Osteoporosis? Increase Your Bone Density Without Medication.