Synergistic Effects of an Eight-Week Resistance Training and Probiotic Supplementation on Bone Metabolism in Ovariectomized Rats

Aging is one of the most influential factors in bone metabolism, leading to a universal decline in bone density in both men and women. This study aimed to investigate the effects of eight weeks of resistance training and probiotic supplementation on bone metabolism in ovariectomized rats. A total of 48 female Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly assigned to six groups: control, sham, ovariectomy, ovariectomy+probiotic supplementation, ovariectomy+resistance training, and ovariectomy+resistance training+probiotic supplementation. Seven days post-ovariectomy, the exercise protocol commenced, consisting of ladder climbing with weights attached to the rat's tail. Additionally, each rat received 1 mL of probiotic supplement daily for eight weeks. The results showed no significant difference in serum phosphorus levels among the groups [<i>P</i>=0.133, F(5, 42)=1.804]. However, significant differences were observed in alkaline phosphatase levels [<i>P</i><0.001, F(5, 42)=43.05], calcium levels [<i>P</i>=0.016, F(5, 42)=3.186], and bone mechanical strength [<i>P</i><0.001, F(5, 42)=18.136]. These findings suggest that after eight weeks of probiotic supplementation and resistance training exert synergistic positive effects on serum calcium and alkaline phosphatase levels, as well as bone strength.