Impact of Ultraviolet Radiation on Bone Density and Muscle Strength in Postmenopausal Women
Condition: Postmenopausal Osteoporosis
MeSH terms: Osteoporosis; Osteoporosis, Postmenopausal
Study type: Interventional

Summary: 
      70 postmenopausal women, aged 50 to 60, who are vitamin D deficient and diagnosed with
      osteoporosis or osteopenia with T score of DEXA of lumbar spine (L1 to L4) was less than or
      equal -1 and their body mass index between 25 and 30 kg/m2. They will be divided into two
      groups by randomization. 35 postmenopausal women in Group (A) will undergo three weekly
      sessions of UV therapy in addition to routine aerobic activity and vitamin D supplements (800
      IU) daily for three months. For three months, group (B), which consists of 35 postmenopausal
      women, will undergo daily aerobic exercise and vitamin D supplementation (800 IU) only.

      The amount of serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D was measured using ELISA kits, bone mineral density
      of lumber spine was measured by dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA), and the torque of
      knee flexors and extensors was evaluated using the Biodex System 3 isokinetic dynamometer,
    

Detailed description: 
      Group (A): This group covers a sum of 35 postmenopausal women who underwent three weekly
      sessions of UV light therapy in addition to daily vitamin D supplements of 800 IU.

      Ultraviolet therapy device It was an ultraviolet arc lamp made of a low-pressure mercury
      discharge tube with an internal phosphor coating. The chemical makeup of the phosphor
      utilized determined the specific wavelength and output of each light (mixtures of phosphates,
      borates, and silicates). This produces a sizable amount of UVA and UVB but none of UVC. The
      spectrum of the radiation: is 280-320 nm. Postmenopausal women in the group received
      treatment with quartz of the type 4004/2n- Verret (A).

      Using dose-response assessment, which is graded according to the individual's erythema
      response and is classified as E1, Second-degree erythema (E2), Third-degree erythema (E3),
      and Fourth-degree erythema, the physical therapist determined the postmenopausal woman's
      sensitivity to UV before applying UV (E4).

      The physical therapist instructed each case to wear safety glasses (goggles) to protect her
      eyes from UV, and treatment duration was calculated as a percentage of the MED of UV. The
      woman was then instructed to take off all of her clothes and wash her abdomen. After
      describing the steps to the woman and requesting that she avoid looking at the bulb due to
      the risk of eye damage. The therapist cut three holes, each measuring 2 by 2 cm, into a piece
      of cardboard that was about 4 by 20 cm in size.

      Subsequently, the region around the cardboard was covered with a cloth to prevent the skin
      nearby from being exposed to radiation by placing the cardboard on the abdomen. The lamp was
      turned on and positioned 70 cm away and perpendicular to the abdominal region. Before turning
      toward the woman, the arc lamp needed five to ten minutes to warm up and attain maximum
      power. The UV beam was pointed straight at the abdomen region after the lamp had achieved
      maximum power, which activated the timer. The three holes were exposed to UV light for 30
      seconds at a time, after which two holes were covered and one was left unattended for the
      following 30 seconds.

      The first hole was exposed for 90 seconds, the second for 60 seconds, and the third for 30
      seconds by this protocol. Then, instruct the woman to document the region's reaction for 24
      hours after exposure. The area that experienced minor skin reddening within eight hours and
      faded within twenty-four hours was given MED treatment. The minimum erythemal dose (MED) or
      E1 was the desired dose in this study.

      Following the determination of the MED for each woman, the UV session was conducted as
      follows: To maximize exposure of the portion being treated and prevent unnecessary exposure
      of other parts, the postmenopausal lady was directed to remove clothing from the lower
      abdomen and lie in a supine position.

      As for the rest of the body, which did not require exposure, it was covered. Goggles are
      necessary to shield the eyes from exposure. After that, the ultraviolet Arc lamp was adjusted
      so that it is positioned approximately 70 cm above the lower abdominal region in a
      perpendicular position. By the MED for each lady that was spotted, the lamp was switched on
      and the timer was changed.

      The lamp was turned off and moved away from the postmenopausal woman by the end of the
      therapy period. Any noticeable reaction to the therapy was recorded within the three
      treatment sessions per week which were administered for a total of three months.

      Aerobic exercise The postmenopausal women in groups (A and B) exercised on the treadmill;
      women should always warm up before beginning exercise and stop if they experience pain or
      shortness of breath. Each session lasted 30 minutes and included 5 minutes of warming up and
      20 minutes of walking at 60% of their maximum heart rate (MHR). The maximum heart rate that
      the circulatory system can support during physical exercise is MHR=220. Three sessions a week
      for three months, followed by a five-minute cool-down [10].

      Vitamin D supplementation Throughout three months, vitamin D supplements (800 IU) were given
      to all postmenopausal women in both groups (A&B).

      The Group (B): This group comprises of 17 postmenopausal women who completed 3 months of
      daily aerobic exercise and vitamin D supplementation (800 IU).
    

Intervention name(s): Ultraviolet Radiation; Aerobic exercise; Vitamin D supplementation
Intervention type(s): Device; Behavioral; Dietary Supplement
Intervention description(s): The therapist cut three holes, each measuring 2 by 2 cm, into a piece of cardboard that was about 4 by 20 cm in size.The first hole was exposed for 90 seconds, the second for 60 seconds, and the third for 30 seconds; The postmenopausal women in groups (A and B) exercised on the treadmill; women should always warm up before beginning exercise and stop if they experience pain or shortness of breath. Each session lasted 30 minutes and included 5 minutes of warming up and 20 minutes of walking at 60% of their maximum heart rate (MHR). The maximum heart rate that the circulatory system can support during physical exercise is MHR=220. Three sessions a week for three months, followed by a five-minute cool-down; Throughout three months, vitamin D supplements (800 IU) will be given to all postmenopausal women in both groups (A&B)
Intervention MeSH terms: Vitamin D
Allocation: Randomized
Intervention model: Parallel Assignment
Masking: Single (Outcomes Assessor)
Primary purpose: Treatment