Mechanisms
The mechanisms by which progressive resistance training could result in the benefits include that mechanical loads trigger stimulation of key pathways involved in bone formation, or mechanotransduction, the authors explained.
The unique effects have been observed in other studies, including one study showing that, among young adult runners, the addition of resistance training once a week was associated with significantly greater BMD.
“Veganism is a global trend with strongly increasing numbers of people worldwide adhering to a purely plant-based diet,” first author Christian Muschitz, MD, also of St. Vincent Hospital Vienna and the Medical University of Vienna, said in a press statement.
“Our study showed resistance training offsets diminished bone structure in vegan people when compared to omnivores,” he said.
Dr. Wakolbinger-Habel recommended that, based on the findings, “exercise, including resistance training, should be strongly advocated [for vegans], I would say, at least two times per week.”
The authors reported no relevant financial relationships.
A version of this article first appeared on Medscape.com.