BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Regular exercise may stimulate bone formation and reduce the loss of bone mass in premenopausal women. This study aims to evaluate the effect of high-impact physical activity (Zumba) and low-impact physical activity (Aquagym) on bone mass in inactive middle-aged women. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fifty-five healthy inactive women (30 to 50 years old) were recruited in Spain in 2016 and were randomly allocated into one of three groups: High impact group (HIG n = 15), low impact group (LIG n = 12) and control group (CG n = 28). HIG and LIG were recruited from Madrid and the CG from Toledo. HIG and LIG completed a 12-week intervention program with three 40' sessions per week of Zumba or Aquagym; respectively. Dual energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) measured bone mineral content (BMC) and areal bone mineral density (aBMD) at total body less head (TBLH), lumbar spine and right hip. RESULTS: Post-intervention adjusted data showed no significant differences in BMC between any of the groups nor in aBMD between HIG and LIG. Interestingly; significant differences for the HIG versus CG were found in the change in total hip aBMD (1.76% versus -0.44%), femoral neck aBMD (1.80% versus -2.71%), and intertrochanter aBMD (2.03% versus -0.50%). Moreover, significant differences for the LIG versus CG were also found in the change in femoral neck aBMD (-0.54% versus -2.71%). CONCLUSIONS: The regular practice of Zumba and Aquagym might reduce the progressive deterioration of bone mass in inactive middle-aged women.

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