Literature critique/review - Essay Example

By definition, osteoporosis is a: .the condition characterised by decrease in bone mass with decreased density and enlargement of bone spaces producing porosity and fragility and resulting from disturbances of nutrition and mineral metabolism (Merriam Webster 2000). Common studies related to osteoporosis mainly focus on the need for high calcium sources, such as milk, cheese, calcium supplements and the like, to support and alleviate relative decrease in bone density and viability. However, this particular study paves way for an alternative solution to osteoporosis, which is the need for feasible physical exercises that would not harm, restrain or impair other physical activities.

Furthermore, it must also be noted that such physical exercises must be build and invested upon prior to menopausal stage or before the age of 40 and up to the time when one reaches old age, or until physical activity is restricted. Jilka, et. al. (1992) supported such claim and emphasised that women approaching menopausal period experience sudden decrease in BMD due to deficiency in estrogen levels, vital in the formation of bones. Based on the literature review, the authors made particular emphasis on the type of exercise, type of test subjects and bone metabolism markers (specifically bone formation and resorption indicators) to be utilised for the study.

Despite the numerous studies related to the research paper being critiqued, evidence suggest that there is not enough studies conducted on the relationship of physical training, bone mineral density and bone metabolism on a long-term basis, over various locations and age groups. Furthermore, it would have helped the study if similar studies were gathered and presented, not only as a basis of the current study but as well as a strong reference point on establishing the results and discussion (Marshall 2004).

On the other hand, the research problem,