This prospective, single-group interventional pilot study will evaluate the effects of a 12-week resistance and core stabilization exercise program on bone mineral density and resting muscle oxygenation in male military test pilots with low baseline bone mineral density. Participants will complete a supervised exercise program five days per week for 12 weeks while continuing their routine flight duties. Bone mineral density will be assessed using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry, and resting muscle oxygenation will be evaluated in the vastus lateralis and rectus abdominis using near-infrared spectroscopy before and after the intervention. The study aims to characterize preliminary skeletal and muscle oxygenation responses to structured exercise in this specialized aviation population.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
NA
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
NONE
Enrollment
10
Participants will undergo a 12-week physiotherapist-supervised resistance and core stabilization exercise program performed five days per week for approximately 120 minutes per session. The program will progress through three phases: adaptation (weeks 1-4, approximately 60% of one-repetition maximum \[1RM\]), strength development (weeks 5-8, 70-75% 1RM), and high-load neuromuscular control (weeks 9-12, 80-85% 1RM). The intervention will include multi-joint lower-extremity exercises (squat and deadlift), core stabilization exercises (plank, side plank, bird-dog, dead bug, and posterior pelvic tilt), and posterior-chain exercises (lunges, hip thrusts, and back extensions). Exercise tempo and rest intervals will be standardized, and training loads will be individually adjusted according to participant performance and tolerance
Change in Bone Mineral Density
BMD will be assessed by DXA at lumbar spine and proximal femoral sites and recorded in g/cm². Change from baseline to 12 weeks will be evaluated. Time Frame: Baseline and 12 weeks
Time frame: Baseline and 12 weeks
Change in Resting Muscle Oxygen Saturation (SmO₂)
Resting muscle oxygen saturation will be measured using NIRS in the vastus lateralis and rectus abdominis and reported as percentage (%). Change from baseline to 12 weeks will be evaluated.
Time frame: Baseline and 12 weeks
Change in Total Haemoglobin (tHb)
Resting total haemoglobin concentration will be measured using NIRS in the vastus lateralis and rectus abdominis and reported in μM. Change from baseline to 12 weeks will be evaluated.
Time frame: Baseline and 12 weeks
Change in Oxyhaemoglobin (O₂Hb)
Resting oxyhaemoglobin concentration will be measured using NIRS in the vastus lateralis and rectus abdominis and reported in μM. Change from baseline to 12 weeks will be evaluated.
Time frame: Baseline and 12 weeks
Change in Deoxyhaemoglobin (HHb)
Resting deoxyhaemoglobin concentration will be measured using NIRS in the vastus lateralis and rectus abdominis and reported in μM. Change from baseline to 12 weeks will be evaluated.
Time frame: Baseline and 12 weeks
Change in Haemoglobin Difference (HbDiff)
Resting haemoglobin difference will be derived from NIRS measurements in the vastus lateralis and rectus abdominis and reported in μM. Change from baseline to 12 weeks will be evaluated.
Time frame: Baseline and 12 weeks
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