Purpose: To determine the impact of multipurpose exercise training on bone, body composition, blood lipids, physical fitness, and menopausal symptoms in early postmenopausal women with osteopenia. Methods: Forty-eight fully compliant (more than two sessions per week for 38 months) women (55.1 Ϯ 3.3 yr) without any medication or illness affecting bone metabolism took part in the exercise training (EG); 30 women (55.5 Ϯ 3.0 yr) served as the nontraining control group (CG). Both groups were

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... ually supplemented with calcium and vitamin D. Bone mineral density (BMD) at various sites (lumbar spine, hip, forearm, calcaneus) was measured by dual x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) and quantitative ultrasound (QUS). Maximal isometric and dynamic strength, maximal oxygen consumption (V O 2max ), CHD risk factors (blood lipids, body composition), and menopausal symptoms were determined. Results: After 38 months, significant differences between EG and CG were observed for the BMD at the lumbar spine (0.7% vs Ϫ3.0%) and the femoral neck (Ϫ0.7% vs Ϫ2.6%), body composition (waist circumference, waist-to-hip ratio), blood lipids (total cholesterol, triglycerides), and menopausal symptoms (insomnia, migraines, mood changes). Maximal isometric strength increased significantly by 10 -36% in the EG, whereas, with one exception, changes in the CG were all negative. One-repetition maximum increased significantly at all sites measured (15-43%, P Ͻ 0.001). V O 2max of the EG increased throughout the study with a significant 13.9 Ϯ 15.6% net increase after 3 yr. No significant changes after 3 yr could be observed in the CG. Conclusions: Our mixed high-intensity exercise program effectively compensates for most negative changes related to the menopausal transition.