Effects of swimming associated with risedronate in osteopenic bones: An experimental study with ovariectomized rats

Physical activity and risedronate sodium have effects on metabolic bone diseases, maintaining the integrity of bone tissue. Our objective was to evaluate the effects of swimming associated with risedronate as a prophylactic means in osteopenic bone of ovariectomized rats. A total of 24 animals of the Wistar strain were used and separated into four groups containing six animals: Ovariectomy (OVX), ovariectomy and swimming (OVXS), ovariectomy and risedronate (OVXM), ovariectomy, risedronate and swimming (OVXMS). The effectiveness of the treatments were evaluated using the tibia by means of biomechanical, radiographic, histomorphometric analyzes. Statistical analysis was performed by the non-parametric Kruskal-Wallis test (p < 0.05). The OVXM and OVXMS groups showed higher values ​​compared to OVX in maximum strength and rigidity. Microscopic analysis showed increased trabecular bone in the OVXM group in relation to the others, and in the OVXMS compared to OVXS. Proximal densitometry in the OVXM and OVXMS groups showed higher values than the OVX and OVXS groups. There were no significant differences in overall densitometry. In conclusion, when comparing the prophylactic means, risedronate was able to preserve bone mass significantly, unlike exercise where an improvement of bone tissue was observed, although not significant, and when swimming and risedronate are combined the result was even better.