Join now

Already a member? Sign in

Welcome to Inspire!

What - Inspire is a place where you can connect with people who share your health concerns and find information and advice in groups sponsored by organizations you know and trust.

Why - As a member you can use Inspire to let friends and family know how you're doing, contact others who share your health concerns, receive personalized updates and information about participating in surveys and clinical trials, and more.

How - Joining Inspire is completely free and usually takes less than a minute. Join now!

corner corner corner

Weighted Vests

azkat
0 Recommendations

Lately I have been reading testimonials on several web sites that say weighted vests add bone density. Some users have had scan results moving from osteoporosis to osteopenia and better. The weights are high on the torso, mostly on the upper back with a couple on the upper chest. The vest is worn an hour a day, during an active time. The users have not been taking Actonel, etc. Has anyone had experience with this or read anything about it?
Thanks in advance.

Explore topics in this discussion:

Exercise Boniva Back pain Fractures Physical therapy Fosamax Osteopenia Actonel Pain Weakness Estradiol transdermal system Osteoporosis Estradiol Progesterone Evista

59 replies

NolaMarie

Azkat,
I too liked the idea, and ordered one. For myself, I found that my lumbar disc that has a tendency to bulge didn't like it. Perhaps the added spinal compression is not good for those with bulging disc issues. I have not given up on the vest entirely, and may try again. Perhaps some of our PTs could "weigh in" on this.
NolaMarie

Sally48

Azcat

I have just purchased a weighted vest and like it very much. I purchased one just for women. It has flexible weights with 9.5 pounds and the vest weighs 1-2 lbs. The vest is made by Ironwear Fitness. It takes a little getting use to. I don't know if it will help, but as you know the benchmark weight is 127lb. for gravity against us building bone. This makes me 128lb. and I use it on the treadmill at the gym. I also am on menostar, which is very low dose hormone just for building bone. I was on Fosamax for 14 years and had back pain which is now gone after stopping Fosamax. Take care and good luck.

Lynney

I also have a weight vest, but my physio said it wasn't a good idea. I was disappointed, and may ignore her advice... I haven't had any fractures yet (as far as I know!) Maybe if I had, I wouldn't use one.

Barbieg

where can you purchase a weight vest??

azkat

I found 3 web sites that sell them, but they are all pricey to me. I sewed pockets onto a sleevless, puffy vests (as seen in the first web site) and bought 1lb shot weights at a scuba store to see if I could handle it. Obviously, I will need to do something else when warm weather arrives, all too soon in Phoenix. Here are the web sites:
http://www.weightvest4osteoporosis.com/index.html
http://www.weightvest.com/ (click on women)
http://www.adamantbarbell.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id= 1577

Barbieg

Thank you , I will check them out cause my scan was-3.3 and -2.3 in my hip

azkat

Hello, Barbieg, Please be careful if that -3.3 is in your spine. The weight might be detrimental due to compression. If you have a trusted health care advisor, it may be best to get an opinion. The first web site says to start out with 4 1lb wts, placed in specific spots, which I have done. Take care and don't overdo it!

windblown

Hi All: Here's another thread where we discussed weighted vests and other things...

http://www.inspire.com/groups/national-osteoporosis-foundation/discussion/q uestion-for-the-pts-and-anyone-with-experience-in-weighted-vests/

azkat

Sally48, I am intrigued by your post. How long have you had your vest and how long do you walk? Have you had it long enough to see an improvement in your bone density tests? Are you in the opteopenia stage? And is menostar prescription?
Thanks, windblown for the previous discussion links; that was before I joined the group. I didn't see where anyone had improved test scores with the vests?
Thanks, azkat

Sally48

Azkat
I just got my vest at Christmas and walk at the gym about 30 minutes on the treadmill. I walked the first time in the neighborhood, and I was glad to get home. It will take sometime to get use to. I don't weigh enough to build bone so this will get me to that benchmark of 127lbs. I have tried to gain but am one of those people who can't gain weight. Menostar is a prescription, it is a patch you change once a week. It is specifically designed for osteoporsis. I am now at osteopenia in the spine, but osteoporsis in the hip. I have had no problems on this. You can read about it by googling Menostar. It is estradiol transdermal system 14mcg a day. Also on D3 1000mg. a day, and am taking calcium. I found a product called Ionic-Fizz which has calcium with magnesium which is suppose to be the easily absorbed. take care

winston55

I got my vest at Wal Mart.

Barbieg

Thanks Azkat for the warning... yes the -3.3 it is in my spine... I really know very little as to what you can do or not...I asked my doctor to refer me to a specialist , He just said the the specialist would tell me no more then what he told me, which was very little. I work with the elderly and do alot of helping and holding them etc. but I try and be careful Thanks

a1b2c3

Sally,
Can you explain your comment about the 127lb for gaining bone density. I have never heard of that.
Thanks

Sally48

You build bone against gravity, and in a seminar I went to on osteoporosis, the experts (orthopedic doctors) stated that 127lbs is the weight needed to build bone against gravity. As I remember this came from NASA with studying the astronauts. I asked the question what if you don't weigh enough, and an older gentlemen yelled out get a weighted vest. I am doing this on my own with the weighted vest, but I am in good physical health. I work out at the gym with the machines and have for 20 years. I also have had a physical job, so anyone with physical limitations should check with their doctor.

Sally48

I just Googled this and got a good response so try this and you will see several sites, Google : 127 pounds body weight needed to build bone mass.

Oakside

Mmm I'm sceptical of the benefit of such a vest because I have always been physically active, and until 18 months ago always used a backpack to carry shopping a mile most days - yet my bone density deteriorated significantly and fractures were the result. . .

azkat

Yes, I am not completely sold either, I have yet to read outside the selling websites of improved BMD tests after 1-2 yrs of wearing the vests. I weigh 110 and am not hopeful of being able to carry 17lbs in the vest. The 4 1lb weights I started with make my back hurt at times! I was hoping to get responses from physical therapists or some health care pro with osteopenia knowledge.

SaraMeeks

The research that weighted vests increase bone density is rather slim--the only reported study I know of reported slight increases in the hips but not the spine.
My guidelines for using weighted vests include:
1. Be on a general strengthening program for at least 6-8 weeks before adding any weight to your program,
2. Be able to maintain spinal integrity -- no collapsing under the weight -- before using any weight whether it's weighted vest or free weights.
3. Begin with small weights and slowly increase. I use one called a WalkVest and, when I began, I thought I'd start with a lot of weight because I'm in generally good shape. However, I begin with 2 lbs and used that for several weeks before increasing. The added weight increases the cardio aspect of workout also.
4. Get a physical therapy assessment from a therapist trained in osteoporosis management. Make sure you are SAFE!

Joyce-Marie

I've walked an hour a day at least 6 days a week with a weight vest, since January 2007. I started with 2.5 lbs, and worked up to 25 lbs by autumn of 2008. I did wonder if this might compress my spine but so far my height hasn't changed. I'm 5'3", 120 lbs, age 61, and have been doing resistance machines three days a week for 5 1/2 years --I was already strong when I started using the vest. Hopefully my next 24-month bone scan will show good results. The vest seems to give other benefits. I no longer have knee problems and feel in great shape, especially going up hill. The vest quickly lets me know if I'm walking with poor posture. I recommend consulting with a physician before wearing as much weight as I do. I do various stretching exercises after, my favorite being to grab a chin-up bar, take my weight off my feet, and let gravity do the work.

azkat

Hello Joyce-Marie,
Thanks for your input. I work with a trainer 2x weekly and practice yoga, so am in reasonable condition. Maybe not as strong as you. When is your next bone test and would you let us know what that shows? I have not gotten past 8lbs yet. After 30-45 minutes, my left shoulder has pain. If the vest is helpful I will continue to work with it. Where did you get your vest?
Thanks, Kathleen

Add to the discussion

Don't have an Inspire account? Join now!

Forgot password?

OsteoporosisNOF: Download NOF's new brochure Hormones and Healthy Bones @ http://bit.ly/3Yg7tq

OsteoporosisNOF: NOF's CFC information: CFC #:11043; Osteoporosis Foundation, National

OsteoporosisNOF: NOF announces the launch of their Combined Federal Campaign (CFC). Visit www.nof.org.

OsteoporosisNOF: Need information on osteoporosis? Visit NOF's Web site at www.nof.org or email request@nof.org. NOF can send you free educational materials.

OsteoporosisNOF: Volunteer to start an NOF support group to help yourself and others with osteoporosis in your community. Call (800) 231-4222 to learn more.

Group leaders

You